It’s been a whirlwind few days for Newcastle United’s Dan Burn.
Last Friday, he was a somewhat surprising inclusion in Thomas Tuchel’s first England squad, and two days later, he scored the opening goal in the Toon Army’s 2-1 win over Liverpool at Wembley Stadium and helped guide the club to their first trophy in 70 years.
The towering defender spoke to the media ahead of England’s first game under their new boss. He talked about chats with Tuchel, his World Cup dreams, and his role within this new England team.
Conversations with Tuchel and his off-the-pitch role
As mentioned earlier, it’s been an unbelievable week for Dan Burn; the former Brighton man spoke about finding out he’d been selected for the Three Lions.
“I’ve definitely had worse weeks,” Burn says with a wry smile.
“The manager (Thomas Tuchel) Facetimed me on Tuesday and said they were debating calling me up and that he would let me know by Thursday.
“It got to six o’clock on Thursday night, and I’d not heard anything, so I said to my wife “Nothing is going to happen,” and then I got a text (from Tuchel) saying, “Will you stay be awake at 10?” and I said yes straight away.”
Burn then went on to discuss the conversation that took place between himself and the Tuchel.
“He said I was very unprofessional for not being in bed by 10 o’clock, so I apologised for that,” Burn says while chuckling.
“He said he wanted me to be in the squad and to do what he felt my strengths were, which I had explained when I spoke to him previously.
“I said I thought I could offer just as much off the pitch as I do on it, I feel like I’m a leader off and on the pitch.”
It’s clear that Burn’s inclusion in the squad was not solely for his footballing acumen but rather for his leadership credentials and the ability to bring players. It's not too dissimilar from Conor Coady in the past.
But Burn was clear on not wanting that to be the only reason he was included: “I’m not just coming in to be a cheerleader.
“I want to play, and I feel like I’ve got the ability to play at International level.”
Thoughts on whether he would ever play for England and World Cup ambitions
Tuchel mentioned earlier in the week that every player selected in this squad has a very real chance of being in contention for the World Cup in North America in just under 18 months time.
Burn discussed whether he thought being in that squad for the World Cup was a realistic possibility.
“I’m just sort of trying to take it camp-by-camp at the moment, I just want to come and make as big an impression as I can at the minute.
“But, obviously, every little kid’s dream is to play at a World Cup and even just play for your country, so to know that I’ve got that opportunity if I take it is special.”
Burn has been consistently putting good performances in the Premier League over the past few seasons with both Brighton and Newcastle, and some called for him to get an England call-up way before now; he had his say on whether he felt he should have been previously squads.
“I think I have been overlooked, but I understood it.
“What Gareth (Southgate) did to bring England from where it was to where it is now, regularly competing in finals, shows that his method was very very good. But it worked against me a little bit.
“Once you’ve been passed up over so many international breaks, you sort of think the time has been, but luckily, the new manager has come in and taken a chance on me, and I just want to grasp the opportunity as much as possible.”
Burn’s role within the team and National League and EFL roots
The League Cup winner is noted for his versatility. He can play both left back and left centre back and also adapt to different formations.
He was asked about being able to play in both a back three and back four.
“I feel comfortable in both those. All (through) my career, I have played in all those positions and in the Premier League especially.
“Like with Graham Potter at Brighton, I used to play a hybrid role, where I’d play full back and then left of a three, and I’ve done the same at Newcastle.
“To be honest, I just want to contribute where I can; I couldn’t care less where I'm playing.”
While many have come to know Burn as a Premier League regular, he spent a large portion of his early career playing with Darlington in the National League and League Two, as well as Wigan. He reflected on how that helped him become the player he is today.
“I think it’s made me very resilient. I don’t think I’ve had a straight-line trajectory in my career. It’s been very up and down.
“I don’t think many people who watched me play at Darlington would have said I’d be sat here doing a press conference for England.”
Dan Burn spoke incredibly well to the media, but one thing was for definite: the big defender feels he deserves to be here, and given the last few seasons he has had, it’s hard to argue with him.
Burn will hope to make his England debut this Friday as the Three Lions host Albania at Wembley.
