Harvey Barnes made his only England appearance against Wales almost six years ago.
Newcastle United legend Alan Shearer believes Harvey Barnes was right to snub Scotland.
There had been suggestions the winger would reject a chance to represent the Tartan Army at the World Cup. Barnes - who earned one England cap as a substitute against Wales in 2020 - has Scottish ancestry on his mother’s side.
He has previously been open to the idea of switching his international allegiance. However, The Gazette understands Barnes rejected the chance to do so ahead of the upcoming international break.
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Scotland dangle World Cup carrot
Scotland are set to face Japan and the Ivory Coast in their final clashes on home soil before the World Cup. Having qualified for the first time since 1998, Barnes was considering a potential switch.
In a bizarre turn of events, Barnes was called up for England yesterday to replace the injured Eberechi Eze. This was hardly the news Newcastle fans were expecting given his performance against Sunderland hours earlier.
Alan Shearer backs Harvey Barnes
Toon legend Shearer rates that Barnes has backed himself to make the England cut. He said: “I think Harvey Barnes was right to snub Scotland. He has a chance of going to the World Cup with England, albeit there's lots of players ahead of him at this moment in time. So, he's going to have to do well between now and the end of the season.
“I admire his decision. There's no doubt he would have walked into the Scotland team. But clearly that's not going to be the case with England. So, there are players ahead of him. But he's having a good season and there's no doubt he's a lot better player for Newcastle on the left-hand side.
“He enjoys playing there a lot more, you can see that. I hope he continues his form, continues starting every game and he gets a good crack at it. Not only would he walk into the squad, he would also walk into the team with Scotland. But that's very different with England.”
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What Harvey Barnes previously said
"No, of course it's not,” Barnes said in December when asked if he would close the door on Scotland. “I've obviously played for England, I know the eligibility side is still there.
"So it's hard to say either way. But like I said, there's been no real chats or any sort of progression in that sense. It's not something I've really put too much thought into.
"There's always been this sort of talk about it. Especially recently, it's not really something that's been on my mind, nothing that's really been spoken about. It was great seeing them get through (to the World Cup) and it was a crazy game."
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