news mogaznews | One-cap England wonder reveals he could switch international allegiance to Scotland after World Cup qualification - becoming only the SECOND footballer to make controversial move

One-cap England wonder reveals he could switch international allegiance to Scotland after World Cup qualification - becoming only the SECOND footballer to make controversial move

By: dailymail Posted On: November 20, 2025 View: 29

Published: 04:38 EST, 20 November 2025 | Updated: 06:05 EST, 20 November 2025

Harvey Barnes has refused to rule out switching international allegiance from England to Scotland.

The Newcastle United star was capped for the Three Lions in October 2020 but still qualifies for Steve Clarke's side through his Scottish grandparents and FIFA eligibility rules.

Barnes has long flirted with the idea of swapping Wembley for Hampden, but talks between the winger and the Scotland boss previously hit a dead end.

'I am not going to say I haven't spoken to Harvey, because I have. But that was a long time ago. I haven't heard from him since. The next phone call won't be from me,' Clarke said in 2023.

The 27-year-old regularly featured for England at youth level but has struggled to stay in contention for the senior side after his 14-minute friendly cameo against Wales five years ago.

And after Scotland sensationally booked their place at next summer's World Cup on Tuesday, Barnes admitted a switch is 'not something that’s been on my mind' but said he would not close the door on it.

Harvey Barnes has been capped once for England but could switch allegiance to Scotland

Steve Clarke's men dramatically booked their place in next summer's World Cup on Tuesday

Barnes represented England at youth level but has struggled to feature for the first team

'No, no, of course it's not [off the table],' the winger told told Sky Sports. 'I've obviously played for England and I know the eligibility side's still there.

'So, it's hard to say either way but there's been no real chats or any sort of progression in that sense.'

Should Scotland and Barnes be open to a switch he would become the second player to do so after featuring for England's first team - following former Everton Women and Manchester City WFC goalkeeper Sandy MacIver.

MacIver, who now plays for National Women's Soccer League side Washington Spirit, played in a friendly for the Lionesses against Northern Ireland in 2021. She later switched allegiance having being made eligible through her Scottish mother.

Barnes was first linked with a switch around the same time as Elliot Anderson, who featured for Scotland's youth teams and was called up to the senior squad before opting to represent England.

He may prove an appealing proposition for Scotland ahead of next summer's tournament in America, Canada and Mexico, with wingers on short supply for Clarke's side.

Bournemouth forward Ben Gannon-Doak has been a standout and assisted Scott McTominay's incredible overhead kick against Denmark, but went off with an injury at Hampden.

Barnes has scored four goals and added two assists this season for Eddie Howe's side and has been a consistent performer since moving to St James' Park from Leicester in 2023.