English Premier League pair in talks to switch allegiance as manager speaks out

England could lose two top talents playing in the Premier League in a revenge ploy from Scotland, with talks ongoing.

There have been new faces in the most recent Three Lions camp after Jobe Bellingham and Josh King were both called up.

But two English players not in Thomas Tuchel's current crop are subject to strong interest from Scotland, with manager Sebastien Pocognoli revealing that is accelerating plans to have both Archie Gray and Hayden Hackney in his group.

Scotland manager confirms interest in England pair

The pair were both born in England yet qualify for Scotland through their family roots.

Journalist Barry Anderson reported that talks have taken place. And though no decision is final, Pocognoli, Scotland's second ever foreign manager, has already spoken about intentions of making moves to bring in both Gray and Hackney.

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He stated: "I am busy with everything. We know which players are eligible to represent the country one day. It won’t come from me, it has to come from them to show that one day they maybe represent the country. We will see in the future.

“I’m not busy with this right now because there are too many other things to consider to make the team perform well. But I try to anticipate everything. I try to control all of the football aspects I can control before the big games. The best way is to be proactive and creative in certain situations.

“The depth of the squad is already so big without these other names. I am very happy with the squad because we have a good double-up and triple-up in each position.

“We also have a lot of good players in the Under-21s and that’s the first step for me, for the future. But that’s part of my role, for sure. Not only for me but for other people working at the Scottish FA. And we are on it.

"What is very exciting about those two names is that they are young players. That’s interesting. We have to look and manage the situation.”

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Spurs star Archie Gray's grandad Frank played left-back for Scotland after being born in Glasgow, while his father Andy was capped twice despite being in England.

A further Scotland connection comes courtesy of his great uncle Eddie Gray.

The 20-year-old has played for England at every youth level, including Under 21's. Hackney, meanwhile, has a Scottish mother and first played for the Under 21's.

However, the 24-year-old then switched to England and helped the Under 21's win the UEFA European Under-21 Championship in 2025 - assisting Harvey Elliott's winner.

Scotland have been courting Harvey Barnes for a number of years, with the Newcastle United winger subject to strong interest going into the 2026 World Cup.

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He has since played twice for England - including in a friendly earlier this year. His maternal grandparents are Scottish.

The one that got away from a Scotland perspective is Elliot Anderson, who played for the Tartan Army at every youth level.

Anderson played for Scotland at U16, U17 and U18 level and then featured for the Under 21's, before pulling out and stressing he wanted to keep his options open.

The Manchester City midfielder did receive a call-up to the Scotland senior team in August 2023 but pulled out due to injury.

He then proceeded to represent England the Under 21's in the team which won the Under-21 Championship and has never looked back in the senior set-up since being brought into the side by Thomas Tuchel, who has earmarked him as one of his regular starters.

Tuchel has described Anderson as "an elite football player with the right attitude and talent".