Overview
- Barnes said the option to represent Scotland is not closed but stressed there have been no real talks or progression toward a change.
- He remains eligible for Scotland through his grandparents because his only England senior appearance was a friendly against Wales in October 2020.
- Scotland secured a place at the 2026 World Cup with a 4-2 win over Denmark at Hampden Park, ending a 27-year absence from the finals.
- The 27-year-old acknowledged the renewed discussion but indicated the topic has not come up recently despite past speculation.
- Since moving to Newcastle from Leicester in 2023 for about £38 million, Barnes has been a regular performer, and some reports suggest a switch could improve his World Cup chances, though any call-up would be Steve Clarke’s decision.