England and Scotland are in a tug of war over Newcastle United pair Elliot Anderson and Harvey Barnes – but Gareth Southgate has admitted defeat in his pursuit of Republic of Ireland striker Evan Ferguson.
Newcastle midfielder Anderson was selected in the latest Scotland squad and would have been in line to face England at Hampden Park on Tuesday night, but withdrew with an injury.
The promising 20-year-old is still eligible to play for England, having been born in Whitley Bay and made one appearance for the Under-19s. Anderson has played for Scotland’s Under-16s, Under-17s, Under-18s and Under-21s, but is yet to make a senior appearance.
Confirming England’s interest in Anderson, manager Southgate said: “We liked him and we do like him. We think he’s a player that’s doing really well. Obviously, he was called into their (Scotland’s) squad earlier in the week and I don’t know what the position is at the moment. I saw he’s pulled out. Let’s see, that’s something that John (McDermott, England’s technical director) and others at our organisation will be picking up. He’s definitely a player we like.”
Anderson is not the only player England and Scotland are battling over, with Scotland making an approach to his Newcastle team-mate Barnes, who moved from Leicester City for almost £40 million this summer.
Barnes has made one senior appearance for England, having also played for the Under-21s, Under-20s and Under-18s but still qualifies for Scotland through his grandparents.
It is understood that Barnes is considering Scotland’s approach, but there is no certainty yet that he will agree to switch.
One player who Southgate confirmed will not be switching his international allegiance is Brighton’s 18-year-old Evan Ferguson, who scored a hat-trick against Newcastle ahead of the international break.
Ferguson has an English mother, but has played for Republic of Ireland’s seniors six times already and Southgate said: “I think he’s played too many games at senior level (to switch).
“I’m not exactly sure on whether he definitely can’t, but I think he’s made it very clear he feels he was born in Ireland and he’s represented them. I think he’s a bloody good player, but we have to respect him, I don’t think he’s given any inkling that would be any different.”
Confirming England had looked into Ferguson’s eligibility, Southgate said: “At the same time, we were looking at (Erling) Haaland and wishing that he might have been available as well. But we’ve got a pretty good number nine and we’re very happy with him.”
