Dan Burn evoked the English warrior spirit against Mexico - those across the country are learning what Newcastle United knew all along.
Summoning the spirit of Lord Kitchener, Thomas Tuchel gave Dan Burn one simple battle cry: your country needs you. Several clearances, brave blocks and a bicycle kick to the head later, the Blyth native had become England's latest cult hero - and Newcastle United supporters are all for it.
“I knew that I was being brought here for a certain reason,” he said post-match. “I probably wasn’t going to start but there were going to be opportunities in a game whether we’re trying to see a game out or maybe go for a goal that I was going to get.
“I was desperate to get on the pitch. I didn’t want to leave the World Cup without getting on there. I’m very proud to play for England at a World Cup. I never, ever thought I would be saying that.”
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That much is true. Just 18 months earlier, Burn told The Gazette at a Newcastle United Foundation event that he had given up on his Three Lions dream. Lee Carsley was the interim manager after Gareth Southgate’s resignation and, as under-21s manager, there would be no room for an uncapped veteran.
Fast forward to Sunday night and there he was, thrown into the Azteca deep end as 10-man England hung on. It was hard not to feel nervous for him. Tuchel’s squad attracted criticism last month, with Burn’s inclusion over Manchester United defender Harry Maguire especially targeted for ridicule.
But having named him in all of his England squads since being appointed, Tuchel must have seen what Newcastle fans witness regularly. A no-nonsense, unfashionable centre-back cut from the Three Lions cloth.
The truth is, as unconventional and humorous a 6ft 7in footballer might be, Burn has always been a better player than what people give him credit for.
At left-back, the debate is wide open. Eddie Howe should not ask him to deputise there again. However, few Englishmen have been as reliable as Burn at the heart of defence in recent years.
The whole country recognised exactly that against Mexico. Across social media, the Burn love-in is real. The scepticism has vanished, replaced by calls for the 34-year-old to keep Erling Haaland quiet on Saturday.
Nobody will ever be able to take away those golden 15 minutes plus stoppage time where he helped England to a famous World Cup win. From stacking shelves at Asda to the cauldron of the Azteca, Burn has spent a career proving people wrong.
Some players are built for highlight reels. Others are built for the trenches. When Tuchel - and England - needed to defend one last charge, Burn answered his country’s call to prove he belongs firmly in the international picture.
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