体坛英语新闻：Jamaica announces 23-man squad for Copa America

KINGSTON, June 2 (Xinhua) -- Jamaica coach Winfried Schafer announced on Tuesday the final list of 23 players who will represent Jamaica in the Copa America tournament.

Nine days before the tournament kicks off, the German coach trimmed his initial 30-man squad down to the required 23 for their first ever Copa America tournament.

The team are hot off the back of hosting and winning the Caribbean Cup in November 2014 and after their Copa America campaign they will compete in the CONACAF Gold Cup from July 7 therefore the coach had to choose his team wisely according to the official Copa America website.

After a string of good results, the Caribbean team are in good shape before the tournament. The website also stated, however, they will have to compete against some of the most powerful teams in the world.

Several important players have missed the final cut such as goalkeeper Damion Hyatt, defender Alvas Powell, midfield duo Shaun Cummings and Omar Holness and striker Michael Seaton. However, former Darby county and England Under-19 international Giles Barnes will travel to Chile after only joining the Reggae Boyz in March.

Premier league players Wes Morgan and Adrian Mariappa will also be joining the team in Chile where the tournament will take place from June 11 until July 4.

Jamaica has no friendly matches in the pipeline to prepare for the tournament before they start their campaign against reigning champions Uruguay on June 13.

The Jamaican team form part of group B in the tournament alongside Uruguay, Paraguay and Argentina.