Dan Burn not in England squad just ‘to be a cheerleader’ as Newcastle star eyes first cap under Thomas Tuchel
Updated 18/03/2025 at 19:43 GMT
Dan Burn is having quite the week, following up Newcastle’s success in the Carabao Cup final against Liverpool with a call-up to join the England squad for the first time. But despite his grand old age of 32, Burn was keen to highlight the fact he is not just in the squad to make up the numbers ahead of England's World Cup qualifier against Albania at Wembley on Friday.
'He said I was very unprofessional!' – Burn jokes about Tuchel’s 10pm call confirming call-up
Video credit: SNTV
Dan Burn admitted that he believed his chances of glory for his country were long behind him as the 32-year-old earned his first call up for the national squad last week.
He has joined Thomas Tuchel’s squad ahead of their World Cup qualifier this Friday at Wembley.
England take on Albania in Group K of the European qualifiers, with a swift turnaround before a further game against Latvia.
Newcastle’s Burn has impressed all season long for The Magpies, but this is not the first time he has played well - and yet that elusive England call up never came.
He firmly believed his moment had come and gone, but with England under new management since January, he has done enough to impress Tuchel - helped no doubt by Newcastle’s win over Liverpool at the weekend.
"I’ve definitely had worse weeks," he joked to the press. "[Last week] started off when the manager FaceTimed us on Tuesday, said he was considering calling us up and would let us know on Thursday.
"By 6pm Thursday night I hadn’t heard anything, then I got a text saying ‘are you still awake’ at 10pm. He FaceTimed and brought us the good news, I did struggle to sleep.
"First of all, he said I was very unprofessional not being in bed by 10pm, so I apologised for that. He had been ringing everyone who hadn’t made the squad, so again, didn’t think I was making it. He said he needed to end the day on a good note."
Calling up a player in their thirties is certainly a bold move by Tuchel - but Burn’s form justifies it.
He has been instrumental in Newcastle’s success this season, with The Magpies sixth in the table, just two points off fourth and UEFA Champions League football.
- Howe 'very emotional' as he revels in 'magnificent' Carabao Cup victory over Liverpool in final
- Van Dijk warns Liverpool team-mates 'the job is not done' in Premier League after Carabao Cup final loss
"[Tuchel] wanted me to be in the squad to do what he felt my strengths are. I thought I could offer just as much off the pitch as on. I feel I’m a leader off and on the pitch, and just sit into that role," Burn added.
"It is going to be tough coming with all the international players, but that's how I feel I can best help the team.
"He said I’ve been playing well for a long time, so obviously I’m not just coming in to be a cheerleader and help the boys out, I'm here to play.
"I feel I have got the ability to play international level, but you need to be given those opportunities and in the past, I can’t speak about previous managers, but I’ve not been able to get that chance. I just want to make the most of it."
/origin-imgresizer.tntsports.io/2025/03/18/image-76a58ff2-d4d8-4971-a6c4-e174e37f34ae-85-2560-1440.jpeg)
Thomas Tuchel, Head Coach of England, greets Dan Burn of England as he arrives at St George's Park
Image credit: Getty Images
Burn elaborated that he would happily play in any formation under Tuchel, having played in many across a varied career that has taken in spells at Fulham, Wigan, Brighton and now boyhood club Newcastle.
He even joked he would play right-wing if that got him his first cap, but fortunately Tuchel has enough options to consider that he is unlikely to take Burn up on that offer.
But with the World Cup looming next year, Burn did admit that the thought of achieving a childhood dream was occupying his mind.
"I’m trying to take it camp by camp at the minute, just want to come and make as much of a big impression as I can and make the next camp. Every little kid’s dream is to play the World Cup, and play for your country, so to know I have that opportunity if I take it - yeah it is special," he added.
"When the new manager came in, there was a bit of a clean slate, but when you’ve been passed over so many international breaks, you accept the time has passed. Luckily, the new manager has taken a chance on us, so I just want to grasp that opportunity as much as possible."
As for Alan Shearer’s suggestion that Burn call it quits after his standout performance in the League Cup final, the Newcastle man was having none of it: "I still feel I've got a good few years left in me yet, no retirement yet!"
Watch the Premier League and Champions League live on TNT Sports and discovery+
Related Topics
Thoughts?
Advertisement
Advertisement