Harvey Barnes vows to sign petition for Jacob Murphy England call-up

Jacob Murphy's evolution from utility man to instrumental figure has been one of the highlights in a memorable Newcastle United campaign.

The 30-year-old winger was in electrifying form during Newcastle's 5-0 win over Crystal Palace as he opened the scoring with an outrageous goal from an impossible angle before laying on his 11th assist of the season.

Only Mohamed Salah has registered more assists in the Premier League this season and Murphy's 19 goal contributions rank him third of all English players, behind Cole Palmer and Ollie Watkins.

England boss Thomas Tuchel was present for Newcastle's emphatic 4-1 triumph over Manchester United on Sunday where Murphy tormented Ruben Amorim's men on the flank and his teammate Harvey Barnes was keen to bang the drum of an England call-up following another sensational performance on Wednesday.

"He's playing unbelievable," reflected Newcastle winger Barnes.

"He's such a character in the changing room and deserves everything he's getting. I'm joining the petition [to get him in the England squad]."

2026 World Cup - To be in Finals squad

(Odds will display when market is available)

Accustomed to a supporting role since joining his boyhood club from Norwich in 2017 with loan spells at West Brom and Sheffield Wednesday, it's been a breakthrough season for Murphy who, like many others, has flourished under Eddie Howe's tutelage.

After playing a key role in Newcastle achieving their first major trophy in over half a century with success in the League Cup, Murphy's continued his red-hot form to aid the club's quest for a UEFA Champions League return.

A vital assist against Brentford preceded a brace against Leicester City and Murphy ranks above every other player in the division for goal-creating actions from a live pass.

His output overshadows Magpies teammate Anthony Gordon's numbers and exceeds the likes of Phil Foden, Morgan Rogers and Eberechi Eze, who were all included in England's latest squad.

Murphy has evidently found his groove. When asked by Sky Sports if he meant his goal against Crystal Palace, Murphy said: "I did mean it! When the juice is flowing, you've just got to hit it.

"The defender's come out so it was going to be hard to get it through him so I thought 'ah, just shoot here'. Lovely."

Jaquob Crooke

• World Cup
• • 
  •