Dan Burn Thomas Tuchel England
(Credit: ITV Sport)
Keith Hackett
Fri 21 March 2025 22:13, UK
Newcastle United centre-back Dan Burn should have been sanctioned on his debut for England, Keith Hackett has said.
The former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA official exclusively told Football Insider that referee Alejandro Hernandez was “lenient” in not giving the 32-year-old a yellow card for a challenge on Myrto Uzuni.
It has been a week to remember for the centre-back, after he opened the scoring for his club as they beat Liverpool 2-1 in the Carabao Cup final at Wembley.
Just days before that, Burn was one of the Newcastle player called up to Thomas Tuchel’s first England squad for the World Cup qualifiers against Albania and Latvia.
Keith Hackett on Dan Burn challenge in England vs Albania
Keith Hackett has suggested Dan Burn should have been booked on his England debut
Dan Burn clashes with Myrto Uzuni
Having been named in that side, Burn was then immediately inserted into the starting XI for the clash with Albania on Friday night (21 March), earning the 32-year-old his England debut.
Just 20 minutes into the game England took the lead through another debutant in the form of Myles Lewis-Skelly when he slipped in behind the Albanian defence to fire home.
MORE FOOTBALL INSIDER STORIES
Burn also went close to getting his first England goal shortly before half time when he crashed a header from a corner against the crossbar.
Dan Burn vs Albania Total (as per SofaScore)
Accurate Passes 135/137
Duels Won 6/11
Clearances 7
Blocked Shots 1
Dribbled Past 2
Fouls 1
The Newcastle man was also caught up in an incident just moments after the break, when he attempted to clear a ball inside his own half.
As he moved to do so, Burn caught Albania striker Uzuni in the face with his leg, leading to referee Hernandez awarding a free kick.
However, the England defender managed to avoid picking up a yellow card for his part in that incident.
Hackett though believes that the Newcastle man was lucky not to receive a card due to the nature of his challenge on Uzuni.
Dan Burn is having a season to remember
‘England debutant lucky not to be booked’ – Keith Hackett
Speaking to Football Insider about that clash between Burn and Uzuni, the former referee said:
“England’s Dan Burn was fortunate to escape a yellow card following his high kick to clear the ball with his lower leg coming into contact with his opponent Myrto Uzuni’s head.
“Reckless challenge, the sanction should have been a yellow card. The referee took a lenient approach and awarded a free kick.”
Burn would go on to play the whole of the game, helping England to keep a clean sheet in a 2-0 win, after Harry Kane’s latest goal 13 minutes from time sealed all three points.
Related Posts