Dan Burn could face the great Lionel Messi if called upon in England’s World Cup semi-final against Argentina.
Football superstar Lionel Messi is relishing the prospect of facing England for the first time in his 23-year career.
And in Newcastle United star Dan Burn, he could be up against his tallest challenge of the World Cup so far. The Toon defender came off the bench for Jude Bellingham to help the Three Lions see out a vital extra-time victory over Norway on Saturday.
Hours later, Argentina needed 120 minutes to put Switzerland to the sword. The bitter two rivals will now go head-to-head for a place in the World Cup final.
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Lionel Messi on England challenge
Speaking to ESPN Argentina, Messi expressed his excitement at pitting his wits against England. Burn will likely start on the bench but may find himself man marking the sport’s greatest player after earning Thomas Tuchel’s trust.
"Playing against England is special because they are a powerhouse, and matches against powerhouses are always special,” Messi said. “It's the first time I'm going to play against them. I've played against everyone except England, so it will be nice for that reason too.
“We'll experience it for what it is. A World Cup semi-final against a great team, and we'll try to arrive in the best possible shape to compete again."
Gary Neville wants Dan Burn
Gary Neville also bizarrely suggested he would love to sign Burn at Salford City. That is despite the 34-year-old being a Newcastle and England regular, while the Ammies compete in League Two.
“I’d love to sign Dan Burn for Salford, honestly,” Neville told The Overlap. “He would be amazing in League Two, wouldn’t he? I mean, he’s obviously a good centre-half in the Premier League.
“Dan Burn would definitely be the best centre-half in League Two. He’d be unbelievable. Dan Burn could play until he’s 46 in League Two.
“He could play until he is 45, maybe. He might get the odd little test away from home at the odd ground, but he just looks like he should be playing (at that level).”
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