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Dan Burn has insisted Newcastle United are laser-focused compared to their Carabao Cup failure two years ago.
A first Wembley final in 24 years resulted in the Magpies stuttering against Manchester United. Newcastle beat the Red Devils three times in 2023 - but lost the big one as silverware slipped through their fingers.
Eddie Howe’s men have the chance to set the record straight when they go to war with Liverpool this afternoon. Thousands of Toon fans have descended on the capital, with London transformed into a black-and-white wave on Saturday.
Many more will be cheering on from Tyneside and beyond as supporters desperately crave that elusive trophy. Burn - one of Newcastle’s standout performers this season - is a lifelong fan and believes the 2023 defeat was a learning curve.
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"I think we have that experience of getting there now,” he said. “And knowing what it took to get there. Obviously, we have already played Arsenal - one of the best teams in the league - but we were confident (of doing so).
“Our fans were desperate for us to get to another final. When we reached the final a couple of years ago I feel like it was an emotional moment for the whole city. It has been so long since we'd been in games of that size and, subconsciously, maybe we were thinking about it. But we now know how important it is to focus on the here and now."
A win today would be a double celebration for the Blyth native following his recent England call-up. Thomas Tuchel announced the uncapped Burn in his first Three Lions squad or the upcoming double-header against Albania and Latvia.
Despite turning 33 in May, the defender has claimed he is simply getting better with age. Burn said: “I feel confident. I'm surprised that people are surprised that I was doing well at centre-half because that was my position.
“I still feel that I can perform as a full-back, but obviously, I've played centre-half my whole life. I still feel as if I'm getting better as I'm getting older. I don't really feel as if I've started to dip."
Thomas Tuchel instantly impressed by Newcastle United ace
Tuchel admitted to being impressed by Burn’s passion when giving him his England call-up. He said in midweek: "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.
“International football is about team spirit. It is about building a brotherhood. I was surprised that Dan was never called up. He’s such a tall guy but, obviously, it must be easy to overlook him! It almost happened to me. When you see the reaction from Dan, you instantly know you picked the right guy.”