Scotland have made a bold move to win over Tottenham youngster Archie Gray. The 20-year-old midfielder, who can also play in defence, has turned out for England at every level from U15 to U21 and is currently in Lee Carsley’s U21 squad, having been part of the side that won the 2025 U21 Euros. Scotland are now ready to offer him a fast track into their senior team, according to new head coach Sebastien Pocognoli.
The former West Brom man said Scotland are being proactive in targeting dual-nationality players, with Gray and Everton’s Hayden Hackney both on their list. He described the pair as exciting prospects because of their age, and said Scotland must handle the situation carefully.
Gray is eligible for Scotland through his grandfather, who won 32 caps between 1976 and 1983. His great uncle Eddie Gray also played for the national side, and his English-born father Andy Gray picked up two caps in 2023.
Even so, Gray is reportedly highly rated at St George’s Park, so he may prefer to be patient and wait for a senior England call-up. Pocognoli has hinted that Scotland still have a chance, saying he has been in direct or indirect contact with eligible players. He explained that direct contact usually means he sees it as a positive first approach, and that he has done this with plenty of players and will do his best to bring them in.
Newcastle’s Harvey Barnes was previously courted by Steve Clarke but stayed loyal to England. The Belgian coach said Barnes was a different case, as Gray and Hackney are still young and have a long road ahead. He warned, though, that waiting too long could mean missing the right moment.
Pocognoli added that things will be clearer in a year’s time. For now, he said, the players already in the squad are in good form and remain the priority, since he has built something with them and spent time working with them.
