Sports
What Eddie Howe has said about Harvey Barnes amid talk of Scotland switch
Harvey Barnes has insisted the door to swapping his allegiances from England to Scotland is NOT closed.
And it might just be the ideal time for Steve Clarke to explore the option of adding an attacker with real quality to his squad.
The feel-good factor in the national team is at an all-time high after World Cup qualification as the battle for places on the plane begins.
Scotland are stacked with quality in the middle of the park with the likes of John McGinn, Scott McTominay, Lewis Ferguson and Billy Gilmour all playing at the highest level.
Kenny McLean has never let his country down and scored a halfway line goal to put the icing on the cake against Denmark as the Scots sealed top spot in qualifying.
But our wide options are very limited and when Ben Gannon-Doak was forced off early on at Hampden against the Danes, Clarke opted to push Ryan Christie into the wide role.
Barnes, 27, is playing week in, week out for Newcastle United in the Premier League while he is lighting up the Champions League with three goals and an assist from four appearances.
Should Scotland move for Harvey Barnes?
Eddie Howe has described him as ‘one of the best finishing wingers he’s seen’ and that is the kind of endorsement that will have the Tartan Army sitting up and taking notice.
Barnes comes with real quality in his locker, along with pace, and offers versatility, having also turned out on the right wing and as an attacking midfielder.
His only cap for England came against Wales five years ago, and since it was a friendly, he could make the switch.
Scotland will have two international windows before the finals next summer in March and June, which means just four games before jetting out to USA, Canada and Mexico.
However, it is early days in the season for club football and with Barnes playing at the very top level and that door wide open, it ticks the boxes to get him in and see how he fits into the group and system.
The fact he has also addressed the situation hints that it is a question and answer that wouldn’t need too much thinking over.
Speaking to Sky Sports, he said:
“There’s always been talk about it and a while ago there were a few little bits and bobs about it.
“But recently, it’s just not really something that – has – not been on my mind – but been spoken about. “It was great to see them win and get through last night, it was a crazy game, and I’m sure everyone in Scotland enjoyed themselves.
“Is it closed off? No, of course it’s not.
“I’ve obviously played for England and I know the eligibility side of it is still there, so it’s hard to say either way, but yeah like I said, there’s been no real chats or progression in that sense.”
It’s been a long time coming, but Scotland will be heading back to the World Cup next summer.
The Tartan Army were put through a rollercoaster of emotions at Hampden in a game that had it all as the Dark Blues dumped Denmark 4-2 to win the qualification section.
Kieran Tierney and Kenny McLean netted two stoppage-time stunners to book a spot on the plane after Scott McTominay’s earlier bicycle-kick and a Lawrence Shankland close-range effort had been pegged back.
As the whistle went in Glasgow’s south side, the emotions on and off the park took over as the party got started and with that, the end of a 28-year wait to return to the biggest stage of the lot.
What has Eddie Howe said about Harvey Barnes?
Speaking to the Independent in 2024, he said: “His qualities are unbounded, and he is a goalscoring winger and there are not many around. He is one of the best finishing wingers I’ve seen.
“Quality goalscoring wingers are few and far between and as long as he stays fit he is going to be a key player for us this season.”
On his arrival at the club in 2023, Howe told the Newcastle website: “Harvey is an exciting talent who I have admired for a long time, so I’m delighted to welcome him to Newcastle United.
“He is strong, quick and very good technically, and he showed last season in particular that he has an eye for goal from wide positions.
“He will add a different element to our play, and we look forward to working with him as we prepare for the season ahead.”
Harvey Barnes’ stats so far this season
Harvey Barnes has been a regular for Newcastle United this season with his most used position coming on the left wing.
He offers an attacking threat with pace and power in his locker and good technical skills.
His versatility has come to the fore in the Champions League with outings on the right wing.
Europe’s top level has also been a big hit with the 27-year-old so far this term with three goals and an assist from four games to date in the competition.
Appearances – 17
Premier League – 11 – Goals 1
Champions League – 4 – Goals 3 – Assists 1
Carabao Cup – 2 – Goals 0 – Assists 1
Sports
Zlatan Ibrahimovic Puts Alexi Lalas in His Place During World Cup
Thierry Henry produced a priceless reaction live on FOX Sports after Zlatan Ibrahimovic put Alexi Lalas in his place on live TV following France’s 3-1 win over Senegal at the 2026 World Cup.
The trio have only been working together since the tournament began last week but there have already been moments of tension between Lalas, the former United States international, and his fellow pundits.
Lalas made headlines last week after describing British presenter James Corden as a “full kit w***er” live on TV on day two of the tournament, prompting a shocked reaction from his fellow panellists.
Since then, viewers on social media have been speculating that Zlatan and Henry have little time for the outspoken Lalas.
Zlatan Shuts Down ‘Arrogant’ France Accusations
There was another tense moment between Ibrahimovic and Lalas on Tuesday, following France’s victory over Senegal.
Lalas attempted to spark a discussion over whether the French team were guilty of being arrogant during the goalless first half. The 56-year-old made the comment after former USA star Landon Donovan called Les Bleus “arrogant” and “casual” in their approach during the opening 45 minutes.
“The reality is, if they are arrogant, it’s because they can do things like that,” Lalas said, highlighting France’s second-half performance in which Kylian Mbappe scored twice. However, Zlatan shut down any suggestions of France being arrogant, responding:
“It’s not arrogance, it’s confidence. Ignorant people will say it’s arrogance, intelligent people will say it’s confidence.”
Henry’s eyes widened and stayed that way for several seconds as the dust settled on Zlatan’s cutting response. Watch the clip below:
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France, one of the pre-tournament favourites, struggled during the first half against Senegal in hot conditions at the New York New Jersey Stadium. But Didier Deschamps’ side found their rhythm after the break and secured all three points thanks to Mbappe’s brace and another goal from substitute Bradley Barcola.
However, France only find themselves second in Group I after the first round of matches due to Norway securing a 4-1 win over Iraq. Manchester City’s Erling Haaland, making his maiden appearance at a World Cup finals, scored twice at the Boston Stadium.
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In the night’s other games, over in Group J, Lionel Messi became the World Cup’s joint all-time leading goalscorer after netting a hat-trick for Argentina against Algeria, while Austria sealed a 3-1 win over Jordan.
Sports
Ruben Amorim Wants Manuel Ugarte From Man Utd
Ruben Amorim could offer Manuel Ugarte an escape route, as The Mirror claims that the former Manchester United head coach wants the midfielder at his next club, AC Milan.
The Uruguayan international has struggled to make much of an impression since his switch from Paris Saint-Germain, having dropped down the team pecking order in the past year.
Ugarte’s struggles have been well-documented, and as Man United look to bolster their midfield ranks, he has been put among the players shortlisted for a potential exit this summer.
As they look to recoup much of the £42 million spent on the 25-year-old this summer, Amorim could give the Red Devils a much-needed financial boost.
AC Milan Want Manuel Ugarte
According to the report from The Mirror, Amorim is looking at a potential move for Ugarte this summer, with the hopes of reuniting at AC Milan.
It’s stated that Man United have slapped a £30 million price tag on the midfielder, as they hope to land a decent fee to move him on three years before the end of his contract.
As it stands, the Rossoneri are currently unwilling to match that demand, but talks are planned so that the two clubs can reach a compromise to get a deal over the line.
There is some hope that a positive World Cup for Ugarte, who is featuring for Uruguay in North America this summer, will help the Red Devils in their case to get a strong fee for him.
It remains to be seen whether that will be the case, but any move is likely to free up funds for the club to go back into the market for even better options.
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Man United’s Midfield Refresh
A transfer exit for Ugarte could help get the midfield refresh at Manchester United firmly underway, replacing a wantaway star with some quality.
Ederson’s move from Atalanta is already agreed in a huge boost for the position, while talks are continuing over the signing of Mateus Fernandes from West Ham.
At least two additions to the central ranks are expected, but an exit for Ugarte for a strong fee could free up funds to add a third midfielder who could make all the difference.
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Manchester United are in the market for midfielders, with a former Manchester City academy player in their sights.
Links have continued for the likes of Alex Scott and Carlos Baleba, who may emerge as strong candidates later in the transfer window.
It remains to be seen if that is possible, especially with interest for a new left-back, backup goalkeeper, and a forward of some description before the window closes.
Sports
Why Tuchel Didn’t Call Up Trent Alexander-Arnold to Replace Tino Livramento
Thomas Tuchel has again decided against calling up Trent Alexander-Arnold to England’s squad for the 2026 World Cup, and his reasons for doing so have emerged.
The Real Madrid defender was excluded from England’s 26-man squad for this summer’s tournament in May, with the likes of Reece James, Djed Spence and Tino Livramento preferred.
Livramento had to withdraw from England’s squad just days before the Three Lions’ opener against Croatia after suffering a calf injury in training.
Tuchel again decided against calling up Trent to replace the Newcastle defender, instead bringing Chelsea’s Trevoh Chalobah into the fold.
Why Tuchel Decided Against Calling Up Trent Alexander-Arnold
Many football fans questioned Tuchel’s decision to leave out Alexander-Arnold when he initially named his squad, and many are baffled they have overlooked him again.
Sky Sports reporter Rob Dorsett has now explained the two reasons why the Real Madrid defender, considered one of the best right-backs in the world, was not called up.
He said: “There will be a lot of England fans and pundits saying ‘why not Trent Alexander-Arnold?’ – that’s a question Tuchel will be asked.
“It’s my understanding there are two reasons why it wouldn’t be Alexander-Arnold – firstly, we don’t know where he is. Could the England logistics teams get him here in time before the deadline?
“Also, Tuchel has left some big names out of this squad, Cole Palmer, Harry Maguire and Phil Foden. He didn’t want to bring them if they weren’t going to be guaranteed game time. So the England manager may have had concerns about bringing in a superstar like Alexander-Arnold if he was going to spend time sitting on the bench.”
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World Cup History Quiz
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Thomas Tuchel Explains Reasons For Calling Up Chalobah
Tuchel has now addressed Livramento’s injury and explained why he decided to replace him with Chalobah.
He said: “Tino was of course very disappointed and sad. All of us were. It was a bit of a shock when he had to stop training and he had a feeling that this could be an injury that could cost him the tournament. He was unfortunately right after assessment.
“We got the information that it’s about four or five weeks, which is unfortunately too long to keep on rebuilding and reintegrating him into the squad. We took the decision to send him home, which is disappointing.
“We called Trevoh Chalobah, because we can free up Jarell Quansah as a full-back on both sides. Djed Spence can play as a full-back on both sides. Trevoh comes as a centre-back alternative, which gives us full coverage in the back four.”
England get their 2026 World Cup campaign underway on Wednesday evening when they take on Croatia at Dallas Stadium in Arlington, Texas.
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