Scotland ‘ready to poach four Premier League stars’ from under England chiefs’ noses in dilemma for Gareth Southgate
ENGLAND could see four talents poached away by rivals Scotland as they prepare for Euro 2024.
Newcastle United stars Anthony Gordon, Harvey Barnes and Tino Livramento could all be snapped up by the Scots.
The Magpies trio all look increasingly unlikely to be called up to Gareth Soutgate’s squad for the Euros in Germany next summer.
They join Newcastle teammate Elliot Anderson in the boat of having to decide to commit to either Scotland or England going forward with all four players eligible for both nations.
Anderson has already had one call up to the Scotland squad, but pulled out after deciding he wan’t ready to commit his international future to the Tartan Army just yet.
And now Steve Clarke’s assistant at Scotland, John Carver, has explained how the Scots are eyeing up the four potential England stars.
In an interview with Chronicle Live, the former Newcastle United interim manager said: “At Newcastle, there are four [that we have scouted] actually,
“Elliot Anderson, Tino Livramento, Anthony Gordon and Harvey Barnes. We are always looking to add quality to the group. But we want players that want to be part of the journey.
“Some of the lads at Newcastle mentioned are just starting their careers at St James’ Park and really need to concentrate on that first before they talk about which country they want to play for.
“That’s the important part. I know I have been at Newcastle for a long time.”
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Both Tino Livramento and Anthony Gordon are yet to make a senior appearance for England, but have excelled in the Three Lions’ youth ranks.
Gordon was part of the England U21s side that won the Euros this summer and has now been catching the eye in the Premier League for the Toon Army.
While Elliot Anderson played his youth international football for Scotland and would have to wait for England to come in for him – although Southgate has already discussed his interest in the 21-year-old.
Whereas Harvey Barnes is a different case altogether with the former Leicester man actually earning himself a senior international cap for England already.
But he would still be eligible to swap his allegiance to Scotland should he grow frustrated at not finding away back in to the England set up since his debut in 2020.
Carver acknowledged that it wouldn’t be easy to convince the four rising starts to wear the the blue of Scotland over the white of England.
He said: “The two youngsters such as Elliot and Anthony are different to somebody like say Harvey Barnes.
“Harvey has been called up by England and not had opportunities. Let’s see what happens when Harvey is fit again.
“Anthony will make his decision when he needs to. England will force the issue because they would be mad not to.
“The four at Newcastle are just a handful. There are many others out there and we are always looking to improve and make things better.”