Dan Burn (33 Newcastle) participates in the Premier League match between West Ham United and Newcastle United at the London Stadium in Stratford, on March 10, 2025. (Photo by Kevin Hodgson | MI News) (Photo by MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Dan Burn has been given an England call-up (Image: MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
It's hard to miss Dan Burn, just ask Thomas Tuchel.
The new England boss joked on Friday that although the Newcastle defender stands 6ft 7in, it must be 'easy' to overlook him when it comes to international football, having never played for his country. But thanks to Tuchel's surprise call-up, Burn will now have the chance to make his England debut aged 32 when the Three Lions play Albania in World Cup qualifying next Friday at Wembley.
Despite never representing England at any age level, Burn is no stranger to playing under the arch. That's because his Newcastle side are playing Liverpool in the Carabao Cup final on Sunday, two years on from facing Manchester United there.
Around 80,000 fans will be seeing the boyhood Magpies fan go up against Mo Salah and Co. as well as millions watching at home on TV. Eagled-eyed viewers will notice something different about Burn compared to the other 21 players on the pitch.
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The 32-year-old only has nine fingers, missing the third one on his right hand. The incident which saw him lose it happened when he was only 13.
According to The Free Library, Burn was wearing a ring while climbing a fence. The ring got caught on a spike and when he attempted to carry on, his finger gruesomely ripped off.
But that didn't stop the Blyth-born prospect, who had a season ticket at St James' Park as a kid, going pro. His career took him from non-league to the Premier League and his beloved Newcastle signed him from Brighton in January 2022.
Burn has been an integral part of the Magpies' success under Eddie Howe, starring in the heart of defence or at left-back. Tuchel has taken notice of his qualities both on and off the pitch, with Burn understood to match his height in personality.
Should Dan Burn make his debut for England next week? Have your say in the comments section.
NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND - JANUARY 18: Dan Burn of Newcastle United applauds the fans after the Premier League match between Newcastle United FC and AFC Bournemouth at St James' Park on January 18, 2025 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by Ed Sykes/Sportsphoto/Allstar via Getty Images)
Dan Burn was left with only nine fingers aged 13 ( Image: Ed Sykes/Sportsphoto/Allstar via Getty Images)
Speaking to the England's official YouTube channel, the German manager explained: "He has had a very impressive career and he's a very solid player. "He's a very solid defender and a leader in the group.
"I have spoken to Dan and it was a very impressive phone call with very impressive messages that made me very comfortable in this call-up that we have picked a top team player that will help us build the right team."
Tuchel added during his press conference: "I was surprised that Dan was never called up. He is such a tall guy but obviously it is easy to overlook him. It almost happened to me. I can tell you from these two phone calls from Jordan Henderson and Dan Burn, you instantly know that you picked the right guys."
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