Newcastle United winger Harvey Barnes could have two chances to go to the 2026 World Cup.
The first is with England, with Harvey Barnes having one Three Lions cap to his name. If he performs well between now and the end of the season, he could force his way into Thomas Tuchel’s squad.
However, that feels unlikely. But there is another way that Barnes can go to the World Cup now that Scotland have confirmed their place at the tournament.
Barnes is eligible to play for Scotland through his grandparents, and Steve Clarke could certainly benefit from having a player of his quality.
However, the 27-year-old has been issued a warning from Gabby Agbonlahor that a World Cup call-up with Scotland could potentially rock the boat north of the border.
Harvey Barnes could upset Scotland harmony
Agbonlahor, who won three caps for England, has been speaking about the possibility of Barnes playing for Scotland at the 2026 World Cup on TalkSPORT.
While he believes Scotland should look to include the Newcastle United winger in their squad, he has suggested that it might not go down well with the group of players that got the Tartan Army through the qualifiers.
“I think the problem he’s got is he’s 27 now,” he said.
“Next World Cup he’ll be 31 or 32. Is this his last chance to maybe go to a World Cup. Look at the pecking order, England have got Gordon, Rashford, Eze. There’s not really that position available at the moment to break in. He’s not been in outstanding form.
“I would take that option [to play for Scotland]. From a Scotland point of view, the players who gave blood, sweat and tears to qualify for the World Cup, then a player who can’t get in the England squad says ‘I’ll play for you in a World Cup’. How is that going to affect team morale? Maybe Steve Clarke would love him to come along, but would it affect his squad?
“Football is ruthless. If I’m a coach for Scotland, I’m 100% taking him.”
What Harvey Barnes has said about representing Scotland at the World Cup
While Scotland fans are unsure about calling up Barnes, the man himself has left the door open to being involved.
The £39million attacker has been asked about representing Scotland during an interview with Sky Sports, admitting it is not something he has been thinking about despite being eligible.
“It’s not something I’ve really looked at or spoken about,” he said.
“It’s just not something that has cropped up in that sense. It’s not something I’ve put too much thought into.
“There’s always been talk about it. It was great to see them get through. It was a crazy game. I’m sure everyone in Scotland is enjoying themselves.
“Of course it’s not [closed off]. I’ve played for England and I know the eligibility side is still there. It’s hard to say either way. There’s not been any chats or any sort of progression in that sense.”
The decision will rest with Scotland manager Steve Clarke and his staff. Barnes is certainly available to him, but it remains to be seen if the former Toon coach will want to take a chance on a player who has not been on the journey with him.
It is a polarising situation. Barnes would be a major player for Scotland if he was given the opportunity, but there is the argument that the chance to play in the World Cup should go to the players that got them there.
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