Newcastle United had three players in the most recent England squad, and now another is knocking on the door.
Anthony Gordon, Tino Livramento and Nick Pope were all in Lee Carsley’s recent England squad, with Newcastle United well represented on the international stage.
Gordon was outstanding for England, and it is great to see so many Toon players getting the chance to represent their country.
But there are even more Magpies that are pushing for that opportunity, and Gabby Agbonlahor believes that Harvey Barnes is a player who Carsley will have his eye on.
Gabby Agbonlahor includes Harvey Barnes in his Premier League team of the week
The former Aston Villa has included Barnes in his Premier League team of the week for the TalkSPORT YouTube channel.
He is the only Newcastle player included, and has been named in Agbonlahor’s midfield three despite being a winger. However, that sums up how keen the pundit was to include Barnes and give him the credit he deserves following that goal against Wolves.
“I know he is not a central midfielder, but I am going to have him as a little number 10,” he said.
“Harvey Barnes for me was very good when he came on yesterday. I mean, you know, it’s hard for him to get in the team at times because you have got Gordon, you have got competition on that left-hand side.
“But coming on for Isak at half time, I thought he was positive and sometimes players have got to go in on their goal alone. I mean, his finish, cutting inside, similar to Hudson-Odoi, but this one was top corner, and that’s what Harvey Barnes can do.
“And I think Harvey Barnes is the sort of player that Lee Carsley will have his eye on. He has got huge potential, and if he can keep injury-free, he’s definitely going to have a very good season. I really rate him, and I thought he was fantastic second half.”
Harvey Barnes has one England cap
Since becoming a Newcastle United player, Barnes has never played for England.
The 26-year-old has only ever won one cap, and that came when he was at Leicester City. Barnes came on as a substitute in a 3-0 friendly win at Wembley over Wales in October 2020.
Since then, Barnes has not been included in an England squad, but Agbonlahor thinks he could push for a place in Carsley’s team if he continues this form.
That has to be the goal, and it should propel Barnes towards an excellent season in black and white. He has already started brilliantly, having endured a mixed first campaign on Tyneside. Barnes’ first season was hindered by injury, but he is now fully fit and accustomed to what Eddie Howe wants from his players.
Howe is going to make Barnes better
Whether or not Barnes can get in the England team, this is clearly going to be a very important season for him in a Newcastle United shirt.
He has started extremely well, and could be the latest player to burst into life under Eddie Howe.
Barnes is proving to be decisive in key moments for Newcastle United, and Howe will be eager for the £39million signing to consistently deliver across 90 minutes, rather than just as an impact player.
But right now he is having a major impact, and is turning heads with his contribution.
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