After winning five out of their first five games, Scotland is on the verge of qualifying for Euro 2024. This situation could be a blessing in disguise for English midfielder Harvey Barnes, as he is planning to switch sides
Barnes was signed by Newcastle United earlier this year to replace their Saudi Arabia-bound #10, Allan Saint-Maximin. In the Premier League this season, Barnes has appeared in four matches, scoring one goal. Barnes has earned a single cap for the England National Team, which he did against Wales three years ago.
Not since euro 96 qualifiers have we won 5 qualifiers in a row. Scotland defeated San Marino, Faroe Islands, Greece, Finland & San Marino again.
What a job Steve Clarke is doing 🔥
Top of the group with 🇪🇸😂
Great result tonight!
On our way to 🇩🇪
Yassssssssssssss#EURO2024 pic.twitter.com/rmuwjUCsUO
— PGS_Tolando77 (@Tolando77) September 8, 2023
But the Newcastle winger has been since excluded from England’s Men Team by Gareth Southgate. Due to a lack of national opportunities, he is expected to make a pivot.
Harvey Barnes’ Childhood and Early Career
Harvey Barnes was born in Burnley, England. He is of Scottish descent through his grandparents. His father, Paul Barnes, is a former professional soccer player who played for Burnley FC at the time of Harvey’s birth. He grew up in the village of Countesthrope, Leicestershire.
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Barnes started playing competitive soccer after he enrolled in Greenfield Primary School. He was lucky to get invited to the Leicestershire and Rutland Schools Football Association competition, popularly known as the Rice Bowl. He joined Leicester City Academy on June 8, 2007, at the age of 9 years old, and further converted it to a professional contract on June 25, 2016.
Why is Harvey Barnes leaving England?
Harvey debuted for the senior England team in 2020 against Wales in a friendly game at Wembley Stadium. He came in as a substitute. But after that, he has never worn the England Lions jersey. English Manager Gareth Southgate has a plethora of options and player profiles at his position. That’s the reason he was even left out of the preliminary 55-man squad for England for the World Cup last winter.
England poor today. Meanwhile Harvey Barnes and James Maddison left out of the squad. Two of the best Englishmen in the Premier League this season. What the hell are you doing Gareth? #ENG
— Martin ✝️ ♿️🇪🇺 🦊🎸🏳️🌈 #FBPE 🇺🇦 (@smiggyireland) June 4, 2022
That is why Steve Clarke’s Scottish side is a perfect option for him. The appealing factor for Harvey has been the fact that Scotland is at the top of their group, which includes the mighty Spanish side. Scotland is almost there to secure their spot in Germany for the Euros.
England and Scotland would go head-to-head in a friendly game to mark the 150th anniversary of the Scottish FA. As Gareth Southgate’s ignorance towards Harvey persists, he may opt to switch and play for Scotland, and if he does, it would be interesting to see Harvey playing against his former national team.