As the European Championships moves into its second week of action, the South American equivalent kicks off during the early hours of Friday morning.
The 48th running of the Copa America is being held in the United States of America, and with “soccer” booming in North America largely due to the Messi factor, this could be one of the best tournaments in some time. This is also a good test as to how full their stadiums will be and the atmosphere created as they look ahead to when they jointly host the World Cup in 2026, alongside neighbours Mexico and Canada.
Social media has given football an even bigger audience over the last few years, games and players have a reach more than ever before. However, some names may not be as familiar. Of the 56 players selected who ply their trade in English football, 17 of them play outside of the Premier League.
Coventry City and Norwich City have sent the most with three players each, and the Jamaicans have named 9 of their 26-man squad currently in EFL teams, including the experienced centre-back Michael Hector who is the most capped player from the EFL at the Copa America this year with 40 appearances. If the host nation requires extra firepower they will look to Haji Wright. The Sky Blues striker has had a stuttering career but when he is on his game he can be a real threat.
Honourable mentions go to former Leeds United managers Marco Bielsa and Jesse Marsch who take charge of Uruguay and Canada respectively.
NATION/PLAYER CLUB AGE POSITION CAPS GOALS
CHILE
Marcelino Nunez Sheffield United 24 Midfield 25 5
Ben Brereton Diaz Norwich City 25 Forward 30 7
CANADA
Ismael Kone Watford 22 Midfield 19 2
Liam Millar Preston North End 24 Striker 26 1
JAMAICA
Michael Hector Charlton Athletic 31 Defender 40 0
Di’Shon Bernard Sheffield Wednesday 23 Defender 15 1
Wes Harding Millwall 27 Defender 2 0
Coniah Boyce-Clarke Reading 21 Goalkeeper 1 0
Kasey Palmer Coventry City 27 Midfield 6 0
Joel Latibeaudiere Coventry City 24 Midfield 14 0
Karoy Anderson Charlton Athletic 19 Midfield 6 0
Greg Leigh Oxford United 29 Defender 16 1
Amari’I Bell Luton Town 30 Defender 16 1
UNITED STATES
Haji Wright Coventry City 26 Forward 10 4
Josh Sargent Norwich City 24 Forward 23 5
PANAMA
Jose Cordoba Norwich City 23 Defender 14 0
COLOMBIA
Yaser Asprilla Watford 20 Midfield 5 2
Writer’s View
The selection of players outside of the Premier League just shows how well and far recruitment goes in the EFL. Where some will have played at a higher level in their careers, the fact that they see the lower English leagues as competitive and a way into their National squads is a testament to how strong these divisions are.
The respect given to the teams in them from around the world gives hope to all players who are looking to play both at the start of their careers and for some the end of them. Either way it highlights the strength of the EFL.
