The Saudi PIF takeover at Newcastle United in recent years has allowed a new generation of supporters to witness unthinkable levels of success on the pitch.
Eddie Howe has led the Magpies to multiple seasons competing in the Champions League, something which was a far-fetched dream under the ownership of Mike Ashley.
The hierarchy has invested serious money into the first-team squad over the last couple of years, which has allowed for numerous high/profile international names to move to St James’ Park.
Joelinton and Bruno Guimaraes are just two players who are Brazilian internationals but also operating at the heart of the Magpies squad – something which was once an unthinkable sentence.
However, one other player could be set for a spell in the national team in the months ahead, especially if he keeps up his tremendous form in the Premier League.
Why Barnes could start at the World Cup
Over the last couple of weeks, winger Harvey Barnes has hit a tremendous run of form that has seen him nail down the left-wing role in Newcastle’s starting eleven.
The 27-year-old has started seven matches in the Premier League this campaign, already netting on three occasions, with his showing against Manchester City his best to date.
He scored a double against Pep Guardiola’s men at St James’ Park at the end of last month, subsequently securing a vital win for the Magpies on Tyneside.
Barnes has also thrived on the European stage, as seen by his tally of four Champions League goals in just five appearances – with two of which coming in just 27 minutes against Benfica.
As a result, rumours have been circulating over a potential call-up to the Scotland national team, with the winger potentially able to represent the nation through his grandparents.
He could feature at the World Cup in 2026, but he may even do so for England, with Barnes currently keeping international star Anthony Gordon out of the Magpies’ starting eleven at present.
It will certainly be a key few months for the winger, but it’s an exciting one for sure, which could see him reap the rewards of his recent success for Howe’s men.
The Newcastle star who has to start at the World Cup
As previously mentioned, the current Newcastle squad is littered with international stars, many of whom have taken their careers to the next level since their moves to the North East.
Dan Burn arrived in a fairytale return to St James’ after growing up in the area as a boy, but his move to the Magpies from Brighton in 2022 has seen the 33-year-old reach unimaginable heights.
The centre-back has been a regular in Thomas Tuchel’s England international setup, as seen by his tally of five appearances to date – with his debut coming back in March of this year.
It remains to be seen if he will have done enough to go to the World Cup in around six months’ time, but the defender has certainly done his chances no harm in recent times.
There is also a huge argument that Lewis Hall should be England’s starting left-back in the USA next summer and rightfully so given his recent form in the Premier League.
The 21-year-old has struggled with injuries at times in 2025/26, but it’s not stopped him from starring when handed the chance to start within Howe’s first-team squad.
The £28m man been selected to play in seven league games to date, with Hall making his comeback from an injury layoff during the Champions League victory over Athletic Bilbao back in November.
Hall has since started all four league games for the Magpies and has subsequently produced some incredible numbers, which could solve England’s long-standing left-back issue.
The £45k-per-week full-back, who’s been dubbed an “absolute baller” by scout Antonio Mango, has completed 2.1 dribbles per 90 whilst achieving a success rate of 69% to date – showcasing the incredible ability he possesses in possession.
He’s also completed 85% of his passes to date, even registering his first assist of the season against Everton, which magnifies his ability to cause chaos to the opposition.
Games played
7
Assists
1
Pass accuracy
85%
Successful dribbles
2.1
Dribble success
69%
Tackles made
3.4
Duels won
7.8
Recoveries made
4.7
However, without the ball, Hall has been just as impressive, as seen by his tally of 3.4 tackles made and 7.8 duels won per 90 – subsequently offering a huge threat at both ends of the pitch.
Such a skillset would be perfect for Tuchel’s current squad, with the youngster needing to continue on the same trajectory over the next few months if he is to go to the World Cup.
If he manages to continue his recent success, there’s no reason why Hall and Barnes could be starting alongside one another down the left-flank for their country, with the younger man already regarded as “one of the best” in the Premier League in his position.
There is certainly a long way to go until the tournament commences, but the duo’s recent success at St James’ could certainly hand the German a huge decision to make.
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ByAngus Sinclair Dec 5, 2025