Dan Burn (left) and England manager Thomas Tuchelplaceholder image
Dan Burn (left) and England manager Thomas Tuchel | Getty Images
Dan Burn was an unused substitute as England beat Serbia 2-0 at Wembley last night.
Newcastle United legend Dan Burn is “manifesting” a place in England’s squad for the World Cup next year.
Iconic status on Tyneside was cemented earlier this year when Burn broke the deadlock at Wembley in the Carabao Cup final. However, national stardom awaits for the Blyth native - or anyone - should England break their 60-year hoodoo next summer.
Burn was a surprise inclusion in Thomas Tuchel’s first Three Lions squad. An uncapped 32-year-old at the time, the 6ft 7in defender has gone on to make four appearances for his country.
Dan Burn believing in World Cup dream
He has looked assured at international level, keeping his place for the current squad despite Newcastle’s underwhelming start to the campaign. Speaking at a Rising Stars event, Burn opened up about his England journey and how he is targeting a World Cup spot.
“For a long time, it probably felt as if it wasn't going to happen,” he said. “I feel like I was playing at a certain level for a long time and was probably unlucky not to be called up before. But the new manager came in and suddenly I was given the opportunity.
"I’ve been buzzing ever since that first call-up. I'm just so proud to represent my country and I just want to keep ticking off those camps. I’d be delighted if I got to the World Cup. I feel like sometimes if you say it out loud, it gets manifested. So, that's what I'm doing!”
Dan Burn on Carabao Cup
Burn also opened up about his pride in being a Geordie and what it meant to deliver Wembley success against Liverpool. He added: “To be part of a Newcastle team that's won a domestic trophy for the first time in 70 years is something that I'll never forget.
“I’ve never experienced anything like the feeling when we scored the first goal against Liverpool. The first final was so disappointing. We didn’t give our fans anything to shout about that day and we really wanted to put that right second time around. Playing for my hometown club is everything I’ve dreamt of.
“I still get emotional now when I hear Local Hero. When I'm running out before kick-off I have to compose myself. I've always said I'm very proud to be from the North East and to be a Geordie and be associated with the city of Newcastle. It’s something that I never, ever take for granted.”
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‘I truly believe’ - Thomas Tuchel
After calling Burn up for the first time, Tuchel said: "I truly believe that these two things have to be combined. I truly believe Dan Burn and Jordan Henderson have every chance to be with us in the World Cup.
"Football in general but maybe even more international football is about team spirit. It is about building a team that loves to play with each other, that transports the spirit to the fans, the nation and the country.
"It is about building a brotherhood. We cannot only do this with young players or senior players, it has to be a good balance."
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