In a significant step for international football, James Carragher, the son of former England and Liverpool star Jamie Carragher, has officially obtained Maltese citizenship with his father. James can now play football for Malta’s national team on an international level, which may open up new options for both the team and James.
Who is James Carragher?
James Carragher is a 21-year-old center back who plays for Wigan Athletic in League One, the third division of English football. James has chosen a different route, honing his skills at the lesser levels, in contrast to his father, an England star who played for Liverpool throughout his professional career.
Position: center-backClub: League One Wigan Athletic
Playstyle: Powerful in the air, disciplined defender, and composed with the ball
Early Professional Experience: Attended the Wigan Youth Academy
Ames has been gaining experience in professional football and has shown strong defensive abilities. His growth as a player suggests that he might play at a better level even though he hasn’t yet broken into the top divisions.
What Made James Qualified for Malta?
James Carragher is eligible for Malta because of his father’s side of the family. James’s father, Jamie Carragher, just obtained Maltese citizenship, allowing him to play for the Malta national team. According to the Malta Football Association (MFA), discussions on James’s possible future with the team are presently underway between the Carragher family and national team officials.
What This Means for the Malta National Squad
Getting a player like James Carragher might be very helpful for a nation like Malta that has had difficulty competing on a global scale. James may not be as successful in the Premier League as his father was, but his knowledge of the English football system may help Malta’s defense.
Malta’s Challenges in World Cup 2026 Qualifiers
Malta has been drawn into a tough group for the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers, competing against:
Spain (one of the world’s best teams)
Netherlands (a football powerhouse)
Poland (featuring top players like Robert Lewandowski)
Finland (rising football nation)
Lithuania (a beatable but competitive team)
Malta has little chance of qualifying given the strength of these opponents, although they might compete better and strengthen their defense by bringing in players like James Carragher.
James Carragher: Is Malta a Better Option Than England?
For James Carragher, who has never been called up to the England national team at any level, Malta is a much more realistic option. If he committed to playing for Malta, he would likely establish himself as a key element of their defense and get regular international experience.
Benefits of Selecting Malta:
Instead of waiting for an England call-up, play regular international football.
Possibility of leading Malta’s team.
Participate in qualifying matches against top teams like Spain and the Netherlands.
Drawbacks of selecting Malta:
Not as competitive as England.
It might not receive as much exposure abroad.
What’s Next?
To complete his international commitment, James and his father, Jamie Carragher, will continue to speak with the Malta Football Association. James might be included to Malta’s roster for the forthcoming qualifiers if he accepts to play for the country. The inclusion of English-trained players like James Carragher could be a step toward creating a more competitive team in the future, even though Malta might not make it to the World Cup.
Final Thoughts
One of the biggest stories in international football is James Carragher’s possible move to Malta. He might not be as good as his father, but his choice might encourage other athletes of Maltese descent to do the same. This is a chance for Malta to bolster their team and improve their level of competition on the global scene.
“James Carragher, son of Jamie Carragher, gains Maltese citizenship, opening doors to represent Malta in World Cup 2026 qualifiers. Talks with the MFA are ongoing”.
