Harvey Barnes Poised to Emulate Scott McTominay's International Switch
Another Premier League star appears set to follow the career-defining path blazed by former Manchester United midfielder Scott McTominay, with Newcastle United winger Harvey Barnes reportedly considering a significant international allegiance change.
The Scottish FA's Pursuit of Barnes
According to reports from The Telegraph, Scotland manager Steve Clarke and the Scottish Football Association are actively working to persuade Barnes to represent Scotland at international level. The 28-year-old winger qualifies through his grandparents and remains eligible to switch his footballing nationality, having earned just a single England cap back in October 2020.
Scotland are particularly keen to secure Barnes's commitment ahead of the upcoming 2026 World Cup this summer, viewing him as a valuable addition to their attacking options. Barnes has demonstrated impressive form this season, scoring 12 goals in 36 appearances across all competitions for Newcastle, yet he continues to be overlooked by England manager Thomas Tuchel.
McTominay's Precedent and Influential Guidance
The potential move mirrors the successful transition made by Scott McTominay, who chose to represent Scotland despite being eligible for England. McTominay's decision came after receiving influential counsel from two footballing giants: former Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson and then-United boss Jose Mourinho.
In 2018, McTominay's grandfather Frank revealed to The National how both managers had been instrumental in guiding his grandson through the international allegiance dilemma. "Sir Alex Ferguson was keen for Scott to play for Scotland as well," he confirmed. "He and Jose Mourinho were both quite keen on it over the last month or two."
Ferguson's involvement proved particularly significant, having overseen McTominay's youth development at Manchester United and awarded him his first professional contract at age sixteen.
Mourinho's Vocal Support for Scottish Football
Jose Mourinho became an outspoken advocate for McTominay choosing Scotland, famously telling MUTV in early 2018 that if he were Scotland manager Alex McLeish, he would immediately pursue the midfielder. "Because it looks like England is missing him," Mourinho remarked while making a phone gesture with his hand.
The Portuguese manager, who completed some of his coaching qualifications in Largs near Glasgow, praised McTominay's character while suggesting England were overlooking his qualities. "I think Scott deserves more than what he is getting," Mourinho stated after a 2-0 victory. "Maybe it's because he's this kind of kid profile: a normal haircut, no tattoos, no big cars, no big watches, humble kid."
Parallel Circumstances for Barnes
Barnes finds himself in a comparable situation to McTominay's earlier career crossroads—undervalued by his birth nation with limited prospects for international advancement if he continues waiting for England selection. The winger's solitary England cap came nearly four years ago during a friendly against Wales, and he has since been consistently omitted from subsequent squads.
Scotland are reportedly seeking a definitive decision from Barnes before the March international break, potentially setting the stage for both players to feature together in Scotland's squad as they prepare for World Cup qualification. Should Barnes follow McTominay's example, he would join a growing contingent of players who have successfully revitalised their international careers through allegiance switches.
The potential move represents not just a personal career decision for Barnes, but also continues a pattern of Scottish football benefiting from players who feel overlooked by the English national setup. With World Cup ambitions driving Scotland's recruitment efforts, Barnes could find the international platform and recognition that has thus far eluded him with England.
