HARVEY BARNES is set to be rewarded for his Scotland snub with an England call-up as a replacement for crocked Eberechi Eze.
Playmaker Eze, 27, was not in Arsenal’s squad for their 2-0 Carabao Cup final loss to Manchester City due to a calf injury.
Newcastle star Barnes is expected to be drafted in as an alternative by Thomas Tuchel for the upcoming friendlies against Uruguay and Japan.
It comes after Tartan Army boss Steve Clarke tried to convince Barnes to switch allegiances and play for his side at this summer’s World Cup.
Burnley-born Barnes, who won his one and only Three Lions cap in a friendly against Wales in October 2020, is eligible for Scotland through his grandparents.
But the 28-year-old winger resisted the temptation to swap nations and now is in line to make a first England appearance in five-and-a-half years.
He is set to join an extended, 34-man Three Lions squad where a number of fringe players – such as Leeds striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Everton midfielder James Garner – will be given a chance to impress.
Tuchel’s side face Uruguay on Friday and then Japan the following Tuesday, both at Wembley.
Bayer Leverkusen’s versatile defender Jarell Quansah has been ruled out of the clashes due a thigh problem.
Barnes, whom Newcastle signed from relegated Leicester in 2023, has 14 goals in all competitions for the Toon this term.
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Gunners boss Mikel Arteta confirmed Eze would not link up with England this week.
The Spaniard said: “No, he’s out.
“We have to do another scan in six or seven days and wait and see the results. [It’s] His calf.”
