Gareth Southgate Admits Harvey Barnes Could Be a Player for England, but Faces Tough Competition Amid Suggestions of Switching Allegiance to Scotland
England manager Gareth Southgate has acknowledged that Leicester City winger Harvey Barnes has the potential to become a player for the national team. However, Southgate also emphasized that Barnes faces stiff competition for a spot in the squad.
Barnes, 23, has been in impressive form for Leicester City this season, contributing with goals and assists. His performances have led to suggestions that he could switch his international allegiance to Scotland, as he qualifies to play for them through his grandmother.
Speaking about Barnes, Southgate said, “Harvey is a talented player and has shown great potential. He is definitely someone we are keeping an eye on. However, there is a lot of competition for places in the England squad, and he will have to continue performing at a high level to earn a call-up.”
Southgate’s comments come as Barnes continues to impress in the Premier League, with his performances catching the attention of both fans and pundits. The winger’s versatility and ability to score goals make him an attractive prospect for any national team.
However, Barnes faces tough competition from other talented wingers in the England setup, including the likes of Raheem Sterling, Jadon Sancho, and Marcus Rashford. With such depth in the squad, Barnes will need to consistently perform at a high level to secure a place in the national team.
Despite the competition, Barnes has not ruled out the possibility of representing Scotland. The winger has previously stated that he would consider playing for Scotland if the opportunity arises. This has led to speculation about a potential switch in allegiance.
It remains to be seen whether Barnes will choose to represent England or Scotland in the future. For now, the young winger will be focused on maintaining his impressive form for Leicester City and making a strong case for international selection.
Resource link: For more information on Harvey Barnes and his performances, visit https://www.leicestermercury.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/harvey-barnes-england-scotland-leicester-5009427