Alfie Jones is the newest addition to the Canadian men\u2019s national team, and sources tell TSN the 28-year-old central defender will be officially announced along with Canada\u2019s full squad for the upcoming November friendlies later this week.<\/p>\n
Jones has played nearly every minute of this season at centre back for Middlesborough in the English Championship. Born in Bristol, England, Jones is eligible to play for Canada through a grandparent on his mother\u2019s side.<\/p>\n
Jones has been a target of Jesse Marsch and his coaching staff for some time. Canada\u2019s coaches have long valued Jones\u2019s experience \u2013 he has made nearly 250 appearances combined in English Championship, League One, and Scottish Premier League \u2013 and the athletic abilities within his 6-foot-3 frame to play Marsch\u2019s intense, demanding style. <\/p>\n
There is a hope Jones will become a valuable piece for Canada heading into the 2026 World Cup and beyond.<\/p>\n
Jones\u2019s arrival comes at a time when Canada is experiencing injuries concerns, particular in its first-choice defence. <\/p>\n
With projected starting centre back Mo\u00efse Bombito now only walking with crutches following surgery to repair a broken tibia, left back and captain Alphonso Davies still recovering from ACL surgery, and right Alistair Johnston re-injuring his hamstring a few weeks ago, Canada needs defensive reinforcements.<\/p>\n
Jones will likely be thrown right into competition with current starting centre backs Derek Cornelius and Luc de Fougerolles when Canada, ranked No. 28 in the world, meets up this weekend to prepare for its match against No. 23 ranked Ecuador at BMO Field on Nov. 12.<\/p>\n
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