Dan Burn is living in a dream right now.
On Sunday, Dan Burn won the Carabao Cup with Newcastle United. He played a pivotal role in the Magpies ending their trophy drought, with Burn scoring Newcastle’s first Wembley goal since 2000.
The 32-year-old is now a legend at St James’ Park, and he could be about to become an England international.
Before his cup heroics, Burn was named in the England squad for the first time in his career. His inclusion was a major surprise. In fact, Burn thought he was being pranked when Thomas Tuchel texted him.
But it was no joke, and it is a testament to the hard work that Burn has put in during his career.
Photo by Eddie Keogh - The FA/The FA via Getty Images
Photo by Eddie Keogh – The FA/The FA via Getty Images
What Dan Burn said about 2022 World Cup snub
This is a moment that he never thought would come. Burn is very much in Tuchel’s thoughts, and has a chance to be involved in the 2026 World Cup.
That would be remarkable, as Burn had effectively given up on ever playing at a World Cup after missing out on the 2022 tournament.
At the time the squad was announced, Burn was part of one of the Premier League’s meanest defences, as Eddie Howe’s side disrupted the Premier League’s top four.
But Gareth Southgate, who was the England manager at the time, opted not to pick Burn despite his impressive displays at left-back.
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In the eyes of Burn, Southgate’s snub brought an end to his World Cup dreams.
“Listen, I was disappointed not to make the squad, not because I thought that I would play, but more because I’m 30-years-old now so I’ll be 34 at the next World Cup and it feels like the one thing that has got away from me,” he told the Athletic in November 2022.
“I’d back myself to do it. I’ve said before I feel like I’m a leader in this team and I could bring that to the England team.
“I can cover lots of different positions and I don’t think there are as many left-sided defenders playing as well as I am this season.”
Why Thomas Tuchel has picked Dan Burn
At the age of 32, it is a shock to see Burn receive his first ever England call-up.
He was one of multiple surprise names in Thomas Tuchel’s first squad, as he sets about qualifying for the 2026 World Cup. Once England have qualified, Tuchel’s aim will be to win the whole thing.
But why has the giant defender from Blyth been chosen? Well, it was reported that Tuchel chose Burn because of his versatility.
The new England manager has also praised Burn for his leadership qualities, which is part of the reason why he also chose Ajax midfielder Jordan Henderson.
“For me, Jordan is a similar call-up to Dan Burn,” Tuchel said.
“They carry these values on their shoulders, they carry their teams and it’s absolutely reliable what they bring in terms of energy.
“This is where the focus is to build a strong and cohesive team as quickly as possible.”