With the Euro 2024 tournament only six months away, Gareth Southgate, England’s manager, has already put together a preliminary squad, sparking discussions among several Premier League players about their international futures.
Players such as Anthony Gordon, Harvey Barnes, and Tino Livramento are reportedly considering switching allegiances to represent Scotland, as their chances of making England’s final squad for the tournament in Germany seem slim.
Southgate plans to announce his 23-man roster in March, ahead of England’s friendly matches against Brazil and Belgium.
However, Gordon, Barnes, and Livramento are also eligible to play for Scotland, and Scottish manager Steve Clarke is reportedly interested in recruiting them for the national squad.
Additionally, another Newcastle player, midfielder Elliott Anderson, might also join Scotland’s team, which would bring the total to four Newcastle players potentially switching to represent Scotland.
John Carver, Clarke’s assistant and a former Newcastle interim manager, recently discussed these potential recruits.
Carver mentioned in an interview that “There are four in Newcastle,” and he highlighted the importance of players genuinely wanting to represent Scotland’s national team.
He encouraged these young talents to focus on their development at Newcastle before making a final decision about their international futures.
While he acknowledged that the players ultimately control the decision, Carver stressed that prioritizing their club careers at Newcastle was essential.
Among these players, Gordon stands out as the most likely to receive a late invitation from Southgate.
Recently crowned a champion with England’s under-21 team at the European Championships, Gordon’s strong form might still catch Southgate’s attention.
Nevertheless, England’s squad is already well-established, and securing a spot in the final lineup for Euro 2024 could be challenging, even for a player of Gordon’s caliber.
Barnes, who has previously represented England with one cap, faces obstacles in earning a call-up due to injuries that have hampered his performance this season.
Meanwhile, Livramento, once a promising player at Chelsea and Southampton, has been gaining more playing time recently, but England’s full-back positions are highly competitive.
Elliott Anderson, the 21-year-old midfielder, previously represented Scotland at youth levels but withdrew from the senior squad in September.
His hesitation to fully commit to Clarke’s team has left his international future uncertain.
Carver emphasized that the decision lies entirely with Anderson, advising him to prioritize his health, focus on his role at Newcastle, and take his time in choosing where he wants to play internationally.
Carver also underscored Clarke’s willingness to welcome players who genuinely wish to help Scotland improve.
He acknowledged that Anderson needs time to develop and decide his future without pressure, emphasizing that the young midfielder has the freedom to choose what is best for him.
This dilemma reveals the unique challenges faced by dual-nationality players who have the option to play for different national teams.
Clarke’s open-minded approach highlights that Scotland is eager to build a competitive squad and is willing to offer opportunities to players who might have been overlooked by other national teams.
As Euro 2024 approaches, it will be interesting to see how these players decide, knowing they have strong support in making choices that align with their personal and professional goals.
