England trio 'scouted' to switch international allegiance after Southgate snub

27 December 2023 , 18:09

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Gareth Southgate could lose three options (Image: Getty Images)

England could be set to lose exciting Newcastle trio Anthony Gordon, Harvey Barnes and Tino Livramento to Scotland, with Gareth Southgate looking increasingly unlikely to call them up for Euro 2024.

Southgate will select just one more squad before naming his final 23-man roster for the tournament in Germany, where England will face Serbia, Denmark and Slovenia after being drawn into Group C. That comes in March for friendly clashes with Brazil and Belgium.

Gordon, Barnes and Livramento may well be at the tournament, though, as each of the three players are eligible to represent Steve Clarke's Scotland. Not only are those three potential Scotland internationals, but Newcastle team-mate Elliott Anderson is, too.

There's an established link between the Tartan and Toon armies and it comes in the form of ex-Newcastle interim manager John Carver, who's now Clarke's assistant. "At Newcastle, there are four actually," Carver explained in an interview with Chronicle Live.

"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.

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"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."

The former Magpies coach added: "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."

Get involved! How many of the four would make England's Euro 2024 squad? Join the debate in the comments section.

Anthony Gordon has impressed this season (Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)

Tino Livramento is now earning more game-time (Visionhaus/Getty Images)

Gordon notably won the under-21 European Championships with England in July, and on current form is the most likely of the four to receive a late call-up from Southgate. The Three Lions have a settled squad, however, and it'd be somewhat of a surprise to see Southgate name a debutant in his March set of call-ups - never mind for Euro 2024 itself in June.

Barnes, meanwhile, has already earned one cap for England - featuring in a friendly with Wales three years ago - but the former Leicester winger has spent the vast majority of this season injured. Ex- Chelsea and Southampton prospect Livramento, on the other hand, has enjoyed a good chunk of game-time in recent weeks, although England are blessed with a hoard of talented full-backs.

As for Anderson, the 21-year-old midfielder played for Scotland at youth level but withdrew from their senior squad in September - having already trained with the team - as he didn't feel ready to commit his future to Clarke's in-form side. Carver insists that the door is still open, though, adding: "He needs his freedom and needs people to stop talking what country he can play for.

Ashley Barnes won one England cap in 2020 (NICK POTTS/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

Elliott Anderson isn't fully out of the Scotland picture (Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

"He needs to concentrate on playing for Newcastle United. I have a vested interest because it is my team as well. He has to get over his injury and play regularly in a black and white shirt. The door is open for any player at any stage, even those who have played in the past.

"Steve Clarke is very open-minded and if he sees somebody who will help us improve the door remains open. Elliot is a young lad and needs the chance to develop. He will make his own mind up. Whatever decision he makes he will be blessed and it will be good luck."

Nathan Ridley