Reggae Girlz to face England in June

REGGAE Girlz head coach Hubert Busby is calling a friendly international against 2022 European champions and 2023 World Cup runners-up, England, a “crucial test”.

The game, to take place at Leicester City’s King Power Stadium on June 29, was announced yesterday by the Jamaica Football Federation, which has been organising a number of interesting tests for the Jamaicans.

The Reggae Girlz, just last week, were in the United States for a pair of friendlies against Mexico.

That tie went horribly wrong for the Reggae Girlz, who conceded seven goals in two games, losing 0-3 and 0-4 across the legs.

But the Reggae Girlz will continue to punch above their weight, having also secured a friendly against the United States on June 3 in St Louis, Missouri.

The Reggae Girlz were a replacement for China, who cancelled the second of a proposed two-leg friendly.

There was no reason given for China’s decision to pull out of the second leg.

This will be the first time that Jamaica will be facing England in women’s international football.

England will be using this game to prepare for the European Championships in July, while the Reggae Girlz are continuing their buildup towards the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup Qualifiers in October.

According to Busby, Jamaica has a strong fan base in the United Kingdom and he expects that support to be helpful.

“We look forward to this match against England at the end of June. I know our passionate diaspora in the Midlands and throughout the UK will be excited to support our team in person. This match serves as another crucial test heading into qualifiers later in the year,” he said.