Jamie Carragher’s son makes shocking international switch – here’s how Wigan Athletic star can play for Malta

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Jamie Carragher may have represented England at international level for many years, but his son has chosen to follow a different path with Malta instead.

Wigan Athletic have had a tough season down in League One, and recently parted ways with their long-serving manager and club icon, Shaun Maloney.

But, one bright spark for the Latics is the progress made by James Carragher. The 22-year-old came through the Wigan academy and, after loan spells with Oldham and Inverness CT, has become a regular in the first-team for his boyhood club.

The defender has now made 30 appearances for Wigan this season, scoring one goal and adding two assists. While the club may be struggling, there is hope that Carragher can have a bright future.

But, he’s unlikely to reach the levels achieved by his father, Jamie, and now, Carragher Jr. has made a big decision regarding his international career that’s come as a bit of a surprise.

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How James Carragher can represent Malta at international level

James Carragher has accepted a call-up to the Malta national squad for the latest round of international fixtures. Malta take on Finland on Friday night before facing Poland next Monday as part of the World Cup 2026 qualifiers.

Emilio De Leo is the new Malta manager, and has clearly been looking to freshen things up by bringing Carragher into the fold.

It remains to be seen how much of a role the young Carragher will play in these games, but his switch of allegiance has raised a few eyebrows, with some wondering how he is even eligible for Malta at all.

Turns out, Carragher was recently awarded Maltese citizenship thanks to his grandfather’s (Jamie’s dad) Mediterranean heritage.

Apparently, Jamie was also given Maltese citizenship, too — though we wouldn’t hold our breath on the Liverpool legend coming out of retirement any time soon.

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James Carragher was never going to make it for England

It may seem odd for a young player to turn his back on his native country so early in his career, but with Carragher playing in the third tier at this stage, it was always very unlikely he would ever make it at the top level with England.

He had never represented England at any youth level, either, which makes his decision all the more sensible, all things considered.

Just last month, Malta Football Association president Bjorn Vassallo discussed the situation, and said: “We’ve been in talks with James and his father, Jamie, for the last few months now; he is open to it, but we’re still working on it.”

Now, the agreement has been reached and Jamie can watch on proudly as his son (hopefully) makes his international debut later this month. Regardless of whether it’s with the Three Lions or not, we’re sure Jamie will be pleased to see James taking this step in his career.