LONDON, England — The Reggae Boyz will depart London, England, today en route to Lille, France, ahead of Sunday’s friendly international at 9:00 pm (2:00 pm Jamaica time).

The Boyz, who were given off yesterday to shop, visit family and friends or just relax at the hotel, will depart London just after 10:00 this morning via the Eurostar rail system. They are down to face the 1998 World Cup champions at the Pierre Mauroy Stadium in what is said to be a sold-out crowd.

The Jamaica Observer understands that a number of buses with Jamaican supporters will depart London at around 9:15 am on Sunday for the game with prices ranging from £90 and £130, inclusive of match and coach tickets.

Since departing Jamaica on Saturday, May 24, the Boyz have engaged Europeans heavy weights Serbia in a 1-2 result at the Red Bull Arena in New Jersey, USA, on May 26; a 0-1 loss to Switzerland in Luzern four days later, followed by 1 creditable 2-2 result against African powerhouse Egypt in London on Wednesday.

Head coach Winfried Schaefer has asked for steady progress from his squad, which has seen chops and changes over the period, and he has been pleased with the response of his players thus far.

He’s now hoping for the Boyz to close out the series of glamour friendlies in similar fashion.

— Ian Burnett