Newcastle United winger Harvey Barnes is considering switching his international allegiance to Scotland.
Harvey Barnes, the talented Newcastle United winger, has left the door open to representing Scotland at the international level. Barnes, 27, earned one cap for England in 2020 but remains eligible to switch allegiances given that his previous appearance was in a friendly.
The decision comes as Scotland secured qualification to the 2026 World Cup, marking their first appearance at the tournament in 28 years. Steve Clarke’s side will be looking to make an impact, and Barnes’ potential inclusion could be a significant boost.
Barnes qualifies for Scotland through his grandparents, and there have been previous discussions about the 27-year-old representing the Tartan Army. When asked about the possibility, Barnes said, “It’s not something I’ve really spoken about or put thought into recently”
However, he didn’t rule out the move, stating, “Is it closed off? No, of course it’s not. I’ve obviously played for England and I know the eligibility side of it is still there, so it’s hard to say either way.”
Barnes’ impressive form for Newcastle United, scoring four times in six starts, makes him an attractive prospect for Scotland.
The 27-year-old winger has been in decent form for his club side, and his experience could be valuable for Scotland’s World Cup campaign. The Tartan Army will be hoping to attract more talented players like Barnes to join their ranks.
Scotland’s qualification for the 2026 World Cup marks a significant milestone, and the team will be looking to make the most of this opportunity.