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Harvey Barnes Faces World Cup Dilemma With Scotland Call-Up Likely Despite Three Lions Hopes

Paul Kelly Written by Sports EditorPaul Kelly
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Newcastle United winger Harvey Barnes has a big decision to make on his international future if he wants to feature at the 2026 World Cup.

The 27-year-old was born in England, but qualifies to play for Scotland through his grandparents.

Harvey Barnes Faces International Headache Ahead Of 2026 World Cup

Harvey Barnes has a huge decision to make ahead of next summer’s World Cup in America.

The Newcastle United winger is one of the most in-form players for the Magpies, with his international future a hot topic of conversation.

Scotland boss Steve Clarke has a plethora of selection headaches to deal with before the 2026 World Cup, with his biggest decision whether or not to take Barnes.

Barnes is yet to play a competitive international match for anyone, meaning he still qualifies to play for both England and Scotland.

With both nations having secured their place at next summer’s World Cup, Barnes will be keen to make his mark and earn himself a seat on the plane to America next year. But with which country?

Earlier this week former Newcastle star Allan Saint-Maximin ruled out a Haiti call-up, with a current Magpies star in Barnes also having a big decision to make ahead of next year.

Barnes is yet to pledge his international allegiances, despite having made one appearance for the Three Lions.

The former Leicester City man made a 14-minute cameo for England against Wales in a non-competitive game back in 2020, meaning he is still eligible for Scotland as his sole England cap was in a friendly.

While there is still a chance Barnes could make Thomas Tuchel’s World Cup side, it looks unlikely that this will be the case. This has left the door open for Clarke to pick him, despite his English roots.

Harvey Barnes Scotland Call-Up Hinges On Three Lions Decision

Harvey Barnes has been in sensational form for Newcastle United this season, especially of late.

He scored a brace in the Magpies’ 2-1 win against Manchester City last weekend, whilst also netting in their 2-1 Champions League defeat on Tuesday night away at Marseille.

Newcastle’s concerning away form casts doubt over Eddie Howe’s future, with Barnes’ international future also up in the air with a big call to make before next summer.

Realistically, it seems unlikely that Barnes will make Thomas Tuchel’s England squad regardless of how he performs the rest of this Premier League season. 

This leaves the door open for a switch in international allegiance to Scotland, with Steve Clarke looking to take the strongest squad possible to America next summer.

Steve Clarke Faces Barnes Call-Up Headache

Barnes would undoubtedly strengthen Clarke’s Scotland squad for the World Cup, but might also become a negative talking point if the Hampden heroes have a poor tournament.

That being said, some Scotland internationals themselves have admitted they’d be willing to welcome Barnes into the squad if he chose them over the Three Lions.

Kenny McLean is just one current Scotland player who revealed he’d have no problem whatsoever in welcoming the Englishman into camp.

At the end of the day, the more quality in a group of players, the better chance you have of achieving positive results.

Adding someone of Harvey Barnes’ quality to the Scotland squad can only be a huge plus for boss Steve Clarke.

That being said, the Newcastle winger may well feel he can still make the England World Cup squad, thus opting to try his luck at getting on the Three Lions plane next summer.

As an Englishman born and bred, Thomas Tuchel’s side are probably Barnes’ first choice. However, Scotland are crying out for width, creativity and pace, which Barnes has in abundance.

Big decision for the in-form Premier League star.

Paul Kelly Written by Sports EditorPaul Kelly
Paul has worked in the sports journalism industry for several years now, specialising in boxing, MMA, golf and darts. This includes writing breaking news stories, in-depth features, predictions and more. Paul regularly attends live sporting events as both a journalist and as a fan, further adding to his expertise in his specialist sports. Paul is a Director at YouTube channel ESBR Boxing, as well as featuring regularly at BBC Sport NI. This has helped Paul master his knowledge of sports writing, as well as learning new skills with competence and proficiency.
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