An England player with one cap is open to switching his international allegiance to represent Scotland at the World Cup next year.
Scotland have qualified for their first World Cup since 1998 after their 4-2 win over Denmark on Tuesday, sparking jubilant scenes across the country.
The nation’s ‘Auld Enemy’ England will also be present at the tournament being hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico in 2026.
But some English players will find it harder to earn a spot in Thomas Tuchel’s World Cup squad than others.
One of those players is Newcastle United’s 27-year-old winger Harvey Barnes, who has only ever played one game for the Three Lions.
Your ultimate guide to the football season
Metro’s football newsletter: In The Mixer. Exclusive analysis, FPL tips and transfer talk sent straight to your inbox every Friday – sign up, it’s an open goal.
Barnes’ only England cap was registered in October 2020, as he come on as a 76th-minute substitute in a 3-0 friendly victory over Wales.
The Newcastle star has Scottish grandparents and has only played for England in a friendly so he is able to change his international allegiance.
Despite England and Scotland being international rivals, Barnes is refusing to rule out a switch before the World Cup.
It is understood that Barnes has long flirted with the idea of playing for Scotland but talks with boss Steve Clarke previously hit a dead end.
Following Scotland’s qualification, Barnes claims a switch is ‘not something that’s been on my mind’ but said he won’t close the door on it.
‘No, no, of course it’s not [off the table],’ the winger told Sky Sports.
‘I’ve obviously played for England and I know the eligibility side’s still there.
‘So, it’s hard to say either way but there’s been no real chats or any sort of progression in that sense.’
Barnes would become only the second player to swap England for Scotland after featuring for the Three Lions following Sandy MacIver.
Speaking in 2023, Scotland boss Clarke said: ‘I am not going to say I haven’t spoken to Harvey, because I have.
‘But that was a long time ago. I haven’t heard from him since. The next phone call won’t be from me.’
Barnes, who was born in Burnley, has previously played for England U20s and England U21s.
At club level, he has only ever played for English teams – Leicester City and Newcastle – and spent time on loan at MK Dons, Barnsley and West Brom.