Jodi Jones returns as Malta coach De Leo names 35-man provisional squad

Jodi Jones is back in Malta national team’s squad as the England-based forward was named in the 35-man provisional squad named by coach Emilio De Leo for next month’s FIFA World Cup double header against Lithuania and the Netherlands.

Malta will host Lithuania on Saturday, June 7 at the National Stadium (18:00), before facing a tough away challenge against the Netherlands on June 10 at the Euroborg Stadion in Groningen (20:45).

De Leo has named a 35-man provisional squad as he prepares for his second international window at the helm.

Notable new inclusions are Joshua Pitts of Ipswich Town and Elliott Gunner, two promising talents who previously featured for Malta at U18 and U17 level respectively and now step up to the senior squad.

Meanwhile, goalkeeper Matthias Debono (Naxxar Lions) and midfielder Neil Micallef (Birkirkara) return to the squad, having been called up in previous windows but still awaiting their debut under De Leo.

Jodi Jones, Jurgen Degabriele, and Kemar Reid all return from injury after missing the last round of fixtures. However, Ilyas Chouaref will sit out both matches as he serves a two-game suspension.  

Kurt Shaw and Gabriel Mentz, who have been named in the initial squad selection, are suspended for the Lithuania qualifier but will be available for the away game against the Netherlands.  

Players whose clubs have been eliminated from the Meridianbet FA Trophy will begin training with the national team on May 19.

Those still involved in the competition – set to feature in the semifinal and final – will join the squad on May 26, following the conclusion of their domestic commitments.

Meanwhile, the foreign-based players are expected to arrive during the first week of June, coinciding with the announcement of the final squad list for the qualifiers.

THE SQUAD

Goalkeepers: Rashed Al Tumi (FC Sheriff Tiraspol), Henry Bonello (Ħamrun  Spartans), James Sissons (Melita FC), Matthias Debono (Naxxar Lions).

Defenders: Zach Muscat (Sanliurfaspor), Carlo Zammit Lonardelli (Floriana), Juan Carlos Corbalan (Marsaxlokk), James Lee Carragher (Wigan Athletic), Steve Borg (Ħamrun  Spartans), Kurt Shaw (Hibernians), Enrico Pepe (Gżira United), Jean Borg (Sliema Wanderers), Neil Micallef (Birkirkara), Gabriel Mentz (Gżira United), Ryan Camenzuli (Ħamrun Spartans), Myles Beerman (Sliema Wanderers).

Midfielders: Matthew Guillaumier (FKS Stal Mielec Spolka Akcyjna), Brandon Paiber (Valletta), Bjorn Kristensen (Hibernians), Alexander Satariano (Birkirkara), Jake Azzopardi (Valletta), Dunstan Vella (Floriana), Teddy Teuma (Stade de Reims), Jake Grech (Floriana), Steven Pisani (Sliema Wanderers).

Forwards: Joseph Mbong (Ħamrun Spartans), Adam Magri Overend (Sliema Wanderers), Jodi Jones (Notts County), Paul Mbong (Birkirkara), Jurgen Degabriele (Hibernians), Basil Tuma (Reading FC), Kemar Reid (Birkirkara), Kyrian Nwoko (Sliema Wanderers), Joshua Pitts (Ipswich Town), Gunner Elliott (Chesterfield).