The giant defender is making his mark at the World Cup finals and could be perfect when it comes rattling Argentina
MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA - JULY 11: Dan Burn of England celebrate after winning the FIFA World Cup 2026 Quarter Final match between Norway and England at Miami Stadium on July 11, 2026 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Eduardo Carmim/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images)
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Newcastle United and England star shut down a reporter's cheeky question ahead of the Three Lions' clash with Argentina.
After England battled hard and edged it against Norway, Burn was asked if England could consider themselves 'lucky' to be in the last four where they will face Lionel Messi and Argentina in Atlanta.
But the Toon hero, who has been effective in both of his cameos at the World Cup finals here in the US, said:" I wouldn't say lucky, no. Obviously, I think we will be disappointed with some of the goals (in the tournament overall), but I'm just happy that we've shown character to get through the game against Norway."
When the England squad was picked at the end of the 2025/26 season, Burn's place was questioned by some harsh critics who raised whether Harry Maguire was a better choice.
But Burn has proved to be the ultimate squad player at this tournament, helping others, supporting team-mates but ultimately doing a job when called upon and never sulking about selection debates.
Speaking about the overall character of the group, Burn said: "That's what I can say about the character inside the squad. We talked about it in Mexico, but the altitude and the ten men, that was again a distinct challenge."
England are guaranteed to finish at least fourth in the tournament, and regardless of what happens in Atlanta, they will have at least one more game. If not in the New Jersey Stadium on Sunday for the final it will be a quick return to Miami for a play-off clash back in Florida.
The Three Lions - with Burn and fellow Geordie Elliot Anderson shining - will hope it is the former but they know they must raise their game to defeat the reigning champions Argentina - Messi and all. And amidst the row that saw Tuchel and Jude Bellingham disagree over the performance against Norway, Burn has fired a warning to Wednesday's opponents.
"I mean I don't think we've played at the top level we can yet, but I think we've shown that we can win lots of different ways," he said. "Lads coming into the team. I think you saw people were dead on their legs at the end there.
"But I'm delighted to go through. If we're going to want to win this thing, we're going to have to perform to the best of our ability."
Burn refused to play down the quality of Norway after they refused to throw the towel in at Miami Gardens on Saturday night.
The pressure had been on England in more ways than one with an A-list cast watching on from the stands, including Mick Jagger, David Beckham and Alessandro Del Piero.
But England got through it, Burn said: "They're a very good team and we've shown that against Brazil. It was probably not our best performance again, but I think the good thing is that we're winning games when we're not playing brilliantly.
"It gives us confidence that when we can perform at our best, we can be a real threat."
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