Harvey Barnes makes ‘definitive’ Scotland decision amid talks on switch from England

Scotland head coach Steve Clarke has confirmed that Harvey Barnes will not be switching international allegiance.

The Tartan Army boss had hoped to persuade the Newcastle man to turn out for Scotland.

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Barnes, who is eligible to represent Scotland through his maternal grandparents, has made one England appearance, though that came in an international friendly, meaning he’d be free to switch allegiance.

Clarke had previously considered sounding out the winger in the hopes that he’d be interested in representing Scotland ahead of the World Cup this summer.

However, speaking after the Scots’ UEFA Nations League draw, Clarke confirmed that Barnes won’t turn out for the national team.

“It is the perennial question, everyone keeps asking me about it,” Clarke told BBC 5 Live.

“This time, I can say for sure, Harvey is going to stay and try to concentrate on playing for England.

“He’s not going to play for Scotland, so you can put that one out there.

“Is that definitive? Yes. So nobody needs to ask me about it anymore, or ask Harvey about it.

“Am I disappointed? Listen, Harvey can make his decision, so we move on.”

Tartan Barnes-y

Barnes had previously addressed the talk surrounding his international allegiance, refusing to rule out a switch.

“It’s not something I’ve really spoken about or put thought into recently,” Barnes told Sky Sports’ Keith Downie when asked about a potential switch of allegiance in November.

“There’s always been talk about it and a while ago there was bits and bobs about it. But recently it’s not cropped up.

“It was great to see them win and get through last night, it was a crazy game, and I’m sure everyone in Scotland enjoyed themselves.

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Barnes continued: “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 but there’s been no real chats or progression in that sense.”

Stelling and Agbonlahor backed Barnes Scotland call

At the time, talkSPORT Breakfast hosts Jeff Stelling and Gabby Agbonlahor discussed Barnes’ international future and the pair felt he’d be best representing Scotland.

“To me, this is almost a no-brainer from Harvey Barnes’ point of view. I just don’t see him getting into the England squad in the foreseeable future,” Stelling said.

“Maybe he’s got that touch of arrogance about him that says that he will. For Scotland, it’s a real no-brainer, because he’s definitely good enough to be in that squad.”

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Agbonlahor echoed Stelling’s sentiments, adding: “I think the problem is he’s 27 now. Next World Cup, he’ll be 31, 32. This could be his last chance to maybe go to a World Cup?

“Also look at the pecking order. We’ve got [Anthony] Gordon, [Marcus] Rashford, you’ve got [Eberechi] Eze. There’s not really that position available at the moment for him to break in.

“He’s not been in outstanding form. One goal in the Premier League in the 11th of this season.

“So for me, I would take that option. But I look at it from a Scotland point of view, and the players that have blood, sweat and tears to qualify for the World Cup. 

“Then a player we can’t get in the England squad comes along and says, I’ll play for you in the World Cup. How is that going to affect team morale?

“Maybe Steve Clarke would love him to come, but would it affect the squad now at Scotland?”

However, a change to represent Scotland now won’t be happening and he may look to push for a spot in the England squad.