Harvey Barnes couldn’t help but laugh when asked about his chances of playing for Scotland at the 2026 World Cup.
The Newcastle United winger, who scored two goals in their 2-1 win over Manchester City, has hinted at a potential change of allegiance.
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Barnes may have given Scotland some food for thought ahead of the World CupCredit: Getty
Barnes has earned one cap with the England national team but can switch to the Tartan Army as he has Scottish grandparents.
Players can’t change nations after making a competitive appearance for a different country, but his Three Lions outing came in a friendly.
Scotland qualified for their first World Cup in 28 years by beating Denmark 4-2 in a dramatic clash at Hampden Park on Tuesday night.
And when speaking to Sky Sports after his two-goal heroics against City, Barnes was pressed on such a switch by Micah Richards.
How did Harvey Barnes react to a question about playing for Scotland?
The 27-year-old laughed and then pretended there was an issue with his headphones in an apparent attempt to avoid answering.
Host David Jones then asked him if his performance against City was a come-and-get-me plea to Scotland manager Steve Clarke.
“No, listen, that obviously isn’t on my mind at the minute,” Barnes replied.
“There’s a long way to go until the summer.
“The club form for us hasn’t been there so, as you can imagine, the team are my only focus… It was about the game tonight, and the next period of games that we’ve got coming up.
“So yeah, I can’t say that there was any thought in that, it was just getting the job done tonight, which we did.
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Harvey Barnes cheekily pretended that he couldn’t hear what was askedCredit: @SkySportsPL X
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The Newcastle flyer was evidently reluctant to make a definitive call on his international future
“I think someone said it, it was the gaffer’s first win against Man City, I think it was.”
Richards decided to prod further as he asked: “So, it’s not a no, then?”
Once again Barnes responded with laughter.
Jones even jokingly suggested that Harvey McBarnes could be his new name in Scottish colours, saying: “That’s got a ring to it!”
Could Barnes switch allegiance to Scotland?
Barnes made his first and only appearance for England in their 3-0 friendly win against Wales in October 2020.
He came on for Jack Grealish in the 76th minute at Wembley, but hasn’t had any further game time since then.
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Scotland will be one of 48 nations at the World Cup next summerCredit: Getty
Marcus Rashford, Bukayo Saka, Anthony Gordon, Eberechi Eze and Jarrod Bowen have been preferred winger options for England.
A move to the Scotland national team would therefore offer Barnes hope of more international experience, potentially at the World Cup.
Scotland finished top of their qualification group to earn a direct route to the group stage for next summer’s tournament.
They will discover their three opponents when the draw is made on December 5.