Great opportunity for him, he's a mile off what we need but looks like one who could get there if a few things go right in his career choices over next few years
He hasn't really set the world on fire ever since his transfer to Dortmund. Mainly though because Kovac completely refuses to achknowledge his best position in central midfield and instead views him as a sub option in attacking midfield or even as a seond striker. To be fair, in this position he'd never even get a look-in for the seniors In central midfield he could become a loss long-term as others indicated but from what I've seen of him at Dortmund so far Mainoo might already have a higher ceiling than him (especially on a technical level Carney has been rather disappointing so far I'd say, many miscontrolled passes) even though he's marginally younger. Not being part of the u21s (unfortunately through injury, I believe) and now playing and living in Germany might have helped Austria as well as having someone liker Sabitzer as a respected figure at Dortmund. Austria's currently on a cap-tying mission for Duals ever since they qualified with Wanner heavily rumores to be going to the WC with them as well over the last week (though the player's agent downplayed those claims). So overall good choice for him I think. Of course it always sucks if they become really, really good players further down the line but we can't forget these are humans after all and nothing comes close to representing *a* country at the World Cup imo. Austria also have decebt chances to qualify for further major tournaments on top of that too. In the grand scheme of things although it could become another Lookman situation these are not the decisive dual 'battles', those are for players all the elite footballing nations want to represent them e.g. Olise and Musiala which hurt the senior team much more than Chukwuemeka.
A bit disappointed that he jumped ship so soon, he can definitely go on a Lookman style trajectory from here. He’s just jumped at the offer of a World Cup place it seems. He’s an Igbo, wonder if that has anything to do with it.
It's not clear to me from the wording whether they're saying that he's agreed to switch, or just that Austria are trying to get him to agree. Any clarification elsewhere? Would be a shame if he switches, for sure. He may never reach his potential, but if he does then he could be a big loss.
Yeah, after looking into it a bit more I've noticed there's some ambiguity on that detail. I can't find a properly reputable source saying he's definitely switching. It appears the most reputable sources (Sky Germany & the Athletic) are essentially saying that Rangnick is pushing to get it over the line.
I think he has. The source from the tartan army message board said that’s why he’s turned them down after initially committing. He seems reliable tbf.
Barnes would always have been on Tuchel’s larger squad radar. I can’t see how he could not be. So I can’t see how anything has changed. The only thing is if Tuchel has offered him a squad place for the upcoming games. But I just can’t see how he can guarantee him that with the options available. Feels more like a Dewsbury-Hall type case of wanting the England opportunity far more than anything else.
Feels like a much bigger blow for Scotland because he is almost the perfect option that they are lacking.
Yeah according to the Times it’s come from Steve Clark Harvey Barnes intends to try to play his way into England’s squad for the World Cup rather than switch his international allegiance to Scotland, head coach Steve Clarke has saidFull story by @MGrantScotland ⬇️https://t.co/8lAOu98EQJ— Times Sport (@TimesSport) February 12, 2026
I’m really not sure what role he has to play for us going forward, but fair play to the guy. It’s refreshing to see an Englishman want to try and get into the squad and not choose his grandparents country as a cheap cap.
Clicked on the first page of this thread and this was the first post. Forgot all about him but he now plays for Atalanta United and hasn't been capped for Colombia since 2022.
Just noticed Ronaldo Vieira was capped by Guinea-Bissau last year. His last England youth cap was this game - Jay Dasilva, Choudhury and Lukas Nmecha also featured and later switched.
There were quite a few options that people assumed would switch now their teams have qualified. But other than Harvey Barnes saying no we have not heard anything yet?
Who are the options you are thinking about? I can only think of the likes of Hudson-Odoi and Nketiah who Ghana have basically said no to from the reports I’ve read. Are there players for Wales and Ireland that have gone under the radar if they qualify?
Nketiah, CHO, Hackney, Ben Nelson, Ndala. There are quite a few more. There was an assumption that numerous nations would be aggressive in their requests after qualifying for the finals.
Marcelo Flores officially changes from Mexico to Canada ahead of World Cup, he was in Mexico squad for Copa America 2024 but got no minutes to add to his 3 caps he'd previously received as would have cap tied him He was at a few English U15/16 youth camps back in the day, when at Ipswich before he moved to Arsenal and presume would have been eligible as was here for 5 years in education
Eddie Gray thinks Harry will stay with England if his career goes well. https://www.thescottishsun.co.uk/sp...y-descendants-represent-england-dont-like-it/