Newcastle United winger Harvey Barnes' decision to snub Scotland given seal of approval from Alan Shearer
Last night, it was revealed that Harvey Barnes had finally made his decision on his international career as former Newcastle United boss Steve Clarke confirmed that the winger had opted to focus on trying to break into the England team.
Newcastle winger Harvey Barnes was still eligible to represent Scotland despite having one cap for England already. His only appearance for the Three Lions came in a friendly against Wales. Non-competitive games don't count when it comes to being able to switch allegiance.
Following Scotland's qualification for this year's World Cup, their first since 1998, it had been widely speculated that Harvey Barnes could turn his back on England for an easier ride to the World Cup.
However, Barnes' form for Newcastle this season has given the 28-year-old the confidence to keep trying to break into Thomas Tuchel's thoughts for a spot in the England camp.
Alan Shearer backs Harvey Barnes' decision to keep trying to break into the England side
It may be seen as a bold move given the competition ahead of him for England, but his decision has been given a thumbs up from former Newcastle and England star Alan Shearer, who told Betfair (via The Daily Record) that Barnes would walk into the Scotland team.
"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 in 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."
Could Barnes and Gordon both end up representing England this summer?
If Barnes continues to play as he has been for Newcastle this season, then Thomas Tuchel will have no choice but to give him a go.
For a lot of people, Barnes should be ahead of Anthony Gordon in the pecking order at Newcastle, although Eddie Howe keeps looking for ways to deploy them both together.
If it starts to really click at club level, that would also give Tuchel something to think about ahead of the World Cup.
