Dan Burn has momentarily put aside the euphoria of Newcastle United’s historic League Cup victory to focus on his first-ever call-up to the England national team.
The 32-year-old defender played a pivotal role in Newcastle’s triumph, scoring the opening goal in their 2-1 win over Premier League leaders Liverpool at Wembley on Sunday.
Burn’s header in the first half helped Newcastle break a 56-year trophy drought, sending fans into ecstatic celebrations both at the stadium and back home in Tyneside. However, despite the magnitude of the victory, Burn remained disciplined and refrained from joining in the post-match festivities, knowing he had to report for England duty the following morning.
“It was strange. As soon as I left the stadium on Sunday, my focus completely switched to this,” Burn said during a press conference at England’s training base today.
“I had my family and the kids with me, and we ended up getting on the bus about midnight back to the hotel. It was getting a bit rowdy, and I was just ready to go to sleep. There will be time to celebrate. I know the club’s put stuff out about there being a parade, so I think that’s when I’ll celebrate. But I’ve waited a long time for this opportunity and didn’t want to spoil it.”
A Long Road to Recognition
Burn’s journey to the national team has been anything but conventional.
The 6’7” defender was released by Newcastle’s academy at the age of 11 and spent years working his way up through the lower leagues of English football. Stints at clubs such as Darlington, Yeovil Town, Birmingham City, and Wigan Athletic shaped his resilience and determination before he made a name for himself at Brighton & Hove Albion.
His move to Newcastle in 2022 proved transformative, as he became a crucial figure in Eddie Howe’s side. His defensive prowess and leadership on the pitch were instrumental in Newcastle’s recent successes, yet international recognition had long eluded him.
“It’s probably made me very resilient,” Burn reflected on his career path. “I don’t think I’ve had a straight-line trajectory in my career—I started really late, and it’s been very up and down. I feel I’ve been doubted a lot over my career. I doubt many people who watched me play at Darlington would say that I’d be sat here doing a press conference for England.”
Despite his consistent performances in the Premier League, Burn felt he had been overlooked when he failed to make Gareth Southgate’s England squad for Euro 2024.
“I think I have been overlooked, but I understood it,” Burn admitted.
However, with the arrival of Thomas Tuchel as England’s new head coach, Burn has finally been given the chance to showcase his talents on the international stage. His call-up comes at a crucial time, with England set to play World Cup qualifiers against Albania on March 21 and Latvia on March 26.
Eyes on the 2026 World Cup
Burn’s selection marks a significant milestone in his career, but the defender is not content with just making the squad. He has his sights set on securing a place in England’s 2026 World Cup squad, recognizing that this might be his best and possibly only chance to represent his country on the grandest stage.
“Once you’ve been passed over during so many international breaks, you sort of accept the time has passed, but luckily the new manager has taken a chance on me,” he said. “Obviously, it’s every kid’s dream to play in a World Cup or even to play for your country, so to know I’ve got that opportunity, if I take it, it’s special.”
With England embarking on a new era under Tuchel, Burn’s inclusion signals a potential shift in the team’s approach.
His unique blend of defensive solidity, aerial dominance, and leadership could offer the Three Lions a valuable asset in their bid to qualify for the 2026 World Cup and compete at the highest level.
For Burn, the journey from rejection to redemption has been long and arduous, but his perseverance has finally paid off. Now, he stands on the cusp of fulfilling his ultimate footballing dream—representing England on the international stage.
