Harvey Barnes on huge win, home form, zero-to-hero moment and World Cup call

What an interesting week it has been for Harvey Barnes.

After Scotland’s qualification for the World Cup, the winger has been subject to extensive media speculation that he will switch international allegiances to try and make Steve Clarke’s squad.

But with today’s performance against Manchester City, where he bagged both goals in our 2-1 win over Pep Guardiola’s side, he may have just put himself on Thomas Tuchel’s radar ahead of next summer’s tournament.

Here’s what the winger had to say following Saturday night’s brilliant game at St James’ Park:

Barnes reacts to brace and brilliant win

Saturday’s game was truly a tale of two halves for Barnes. Eerily reminiscent of our performance against Barcelona in the Champions League overall, Barnes was gifted two golden opportunities to score, but failed to take his chances. There was a general fear that we would be punished later on.

So seeing him finding the back of the net twice in the second half, the first being a low drilled shot from outside the box, and the second being quite a tidy finish from very close range, was of great relief not only to us, but to the player himself.

Speaking to the BBC Sport after the big win, Barnes said: "It feels great [to be the matchwinner]. I don't think I was the most popular man at halftime!

"Glad to make up for it in the second half with a couple of good goals and it was a great win for us. Hopefully, after today's result, we can kick on and go on a good run.

On his second goal, Barnes added: "It's just about adjusting and finding any way to get it in. It's horrible that two minute wait for VAR, but delighted when it is given to get back into the game.

"We showed good character to get ahead again. It's a big win for us, it really is. To get the result against a top, top team, it gives you even more confidence."

Discussing our home form after making it six wins at St James' Park on the spin, Barnes said: "It's a special place to play your football. Our big thing has been making teams uncomfortable to play here.

"The last couple of results have been disappointing. The quicker we can improve that form away from home, it will be a really big boost for us."

"It's massive!"

Harvey Barnes reacts to Newcastle's huge win over Manchester City! 👏 pic.twitter.com/Mal0sKLNaA

— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) November 22, 2025

Has World Cup talk influenced performances?

Right now, the left wing spot for England at next summer’s World Cup is still relatively up for grabs.

Marcus Rashford and Anthony Gordon are the front runners to be called up, yet there is also a potential switch to Scotland to consider as he ponders a more realistic route to next year's tournament in North America.

But even with all this talk about the World Cup, and just who Barnes may pledge his international allegiance to by next summer, club football is his top priority right now.

“Obviously it’s not on my mind. There’s a long way to go until the summer. The club form hasn’t been there at the moment for us, my only focus has been on the game tonight and the games we’ve got coming up.”

“So I can’t say there was any thought about that. It’s about getting the job done. I think someone said it was the gaffer’s first win against City, so it’s a good night all round.”

"Harvey McBarnes, I like it" 😂

Harvey Barnes responds to being asked if he would be interested in playing for Scotland at the World Cup 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 pic.twitter.com/BRfAzQDzM2

— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) November 22, 2025