Scotland manager Steve Clarke has received a significant setback in his World Cup preparations after Newcastle United winger Harvey Barnes declined an invitation to represent the national team. The 25-year-old player, who was born in Burnley, holds eligibility for Scotland through his maternal grandparents but has instead chosen to focus on earning a place in England's squad for the upcoming tournament.
Barnes Opts for England Ambition Over Scottish Heritage
Harvey Barnes earned a single cap for England in a friendly match against Wales back in 2020, yet he remained qualified to switch his international allegiance to Scotland. Following Scotland's successful qualification for the World Cup, Barnes publicly discussed the possibility of making such a change, sparking hope among Scottish supporters and management alike.
However, after a period of careful consideration, the talented winger has now informed Steve Clarke of his decision to concentrate on forcing his way into Thomas Tuchel's 26-man England squad for the summer finals. This move dashes Clarke's cautious optimism that Barnes would declare for Scotland this month, compelling the head coach to adjust his plans accordingly.
Clarke's Reaction and Moving Forward
Speaking at the Nations League draw in Brussels, Steve Clarke addressed the situation with clarity and resolve. 'It's the perennial question, everybody keeps asking me about it,' Clarke stated. 'This time I can say for sure, Harvey's going to concentrate on trying to play for England, he's not going to come to Scotland. You can put that one out there. That's for sure. Nobody needs to ask me or Harvey about it any more.'
When questioned about any potential disappointment, Clarke responded pragmatically: 'Am I disappointed? No, listen, Harvey can make up his own mind. We move on.' This stance underscores the manager's focus on preparing his squad without distractions as they gear up for their first World Cup appearance since 1998.
Scotland's World Cup Preparations and Fixtures
In preparation for the global tournament, Scotland has scheduled a series of warm-up matches to fine-tune their tactics and team cohesion. The upcoming fixtures include:
- A match against Japan at Hampden Park
- A game versus the Ivory Coast at Everton's Hill Dickinson Stadium next month
- A farewell Hampden encounter against Curacao in late May
- A friendly against Peru in New Jersey to complete the build-up
These matches are designed to prepare the team for their competitive group stage games against Haiti, Morocco, and Brazil at the World Cup.
Nations League Draw and Future Competitions
Meanwhile, Scotland has been drawn into Group B1 of the Nations League, where they will face Switzerland, Slovenia, and North Macedonia. These matches are set to commence in the autumn, providing further competitive opportunities for the squad to develop and showcase their abilities on the international stage.
The decision by Harvey Barnes highlights the ongoing challenges and complexities of international football eligibility, particularly for players with dual heritage. While Scotland loses a potential asset, Barnes's choice reflects his personal ambition and commitment to pursuing his England career, leaving Clarke to focus on the players fully dedicated to the Scottish cause.
