Brentford: Rico Henry makes international debut after two-year injury nightmare | OneFootball

Full-back missed out on England call-up before injury

Rico Henry came off the bench to make his Jamaica debut during the Reggae Boyz' 1-1 draw with Trinidad and Tobago.

Henry, who was on the cusp of an England call-up before suffering a serious knee injury in September 2023, replaced QPR forward Rumarn Burrell in the 81st minute as Steve McClaren’s side looked to hold on for a vital three points in their quest to qualify for the 2026 World Cup.

The 28-year-old has endured a torrid spell with injuries over the last two years, but was once widely tipped to represent England.

In a documentary detailing his recovery from injury, Henry admitted he had been told to prepare for a call-up to Gareth Southgate’s squad less than a year out from Euro 2024.

“I got a message from [an England representative] saying ‘oh be ready, you might get called up’ and literally got injured (straight afterwards),” Henry said, speaking four months into his rehabilitation.

“I felt I was getting closer (to a call-up), every day, every game, I felt better.

“I was feeling good, it’s just a hard one to take.”

It’s been a long road back to fitness for Henry, who has suffered a number of setbacks in his recovery, but having been included in all 11 of Keith Andrews’ Premier League squads this season, the Birmingham-born defender now has a chance to guide Jamaica to just their second-ever World Cup.

Jamaica host group leaders Curacao, who are unbeaten after five qualifying games, in Kingston next Wednesday, knowing only three points will ensure automatic qualification for next year’s World Cup.