THE CARIBBEAN island of Jamaica has plenty of sporting pedigree.

As a former territory of the British Empire and place from where immigration was actively encouraged in the post-war period, there’s been an increasingly Jamaican influence on UK sport.

This is typified by England’s national football team, where many players of Caribbean descent have worn the famous Three Lions jersey over the last 30 to 40 years.

Many of those who blazed a trail for the well-paid pros of today were even born in Jamaica. It got us thinking about the Caribbean connections in English teams past and present.

Does one of your favourite players have Jamaican ancestry? Take a look at this combined XI of current and former internationals that trace their roots there: Goalkeeper: David James Right back: Kyle Walker Centre back: Viv Anderson Centre back: Sol Campbell Left back: Danny Rose Central midfield: Ruben Loftus-Cheek Right wing: Raheem Sterling Attacking midfield: John Barnes Left wing: Laurie Cunningham Striker: Andy Cole Striker: Luther Blissett

HONOURABLE MENTIONS
We couldn’t fit all the England internationals with Jamaican heritage into the XI, so honourable mentions are:
• Ashley Young
• Theo Walcott
• Andros Townsend
• Daniel Sturridge
• Chris Smalling
• Aaron Lennon
• Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain
• Mark Chamberlain
• Fraizer Campbell
• Darren Bent

TOP FIVE PLAYERS THAT CHOSE JAMAICA OVER ENGLAND
Some footballers (see graphic 1) have decided to represent Jamaica at international level over England, despite showing similar promise and potential at one stage or another to the more illustrious names.

FIVE ON ENGLAND WORLD CUP ROSTER COULD HAVE PLAYED FOR JAMAICA
Gareth Southgate selected five players (see graphic 2) in his 23-man squad for the 2018 Fifa World Cup finals in Russia that at least have a grandparent from Jamaica. That means Sterling, Walker, Young, Loftus-Cheek and Rose could all have chosen to represent the Reggae Boyz.

WHO IS ELIGIBLE FOR BOTH ENGLAND AND JAMAICA?
A similar decision, whether to choose England or Jamaica in senior international football, is something these five players (see graphic 3) and many more must make.

Research by Casino.org.