Newcastle United defender Dan Burn says he is determined to make an impact on the pitch for England after receiving a late call-up via FaceTime from England head coach Thomas Tuchel.
Burn received his maiden senior international call-up on Friday as Tuchel leads his new side into World Cup qualifiers against Albania and Latvia.
The 32-year-old, who scored the opener as his side ended their 70-year trophy drought with a 2-1 win over Premier League leaders Liverpool in the Carabao Cup final on Sunday, linked up with the England squad at St George’s Park on Monday.
He told reporters in attendance that he had not expected to be included by Tuchel, with the good-news call coming late in the day.
“The manager FaceTimed us on Tuesday and said that they were debating calling us (me) up, and would let us know on Thursday,” Burn said.
“Then it got to six o’clock Thursday night, (I had) not heard anything so I said to my wife, ‘nothing’s going to happen’.
“I got a text saying ‘are you still awake’ at 10. I was like yes, straight away.
“First of all he said I was very unprofessional for not being in bed for 10 o’clock, so I apologised for that.”
Upon Burn’s selection in the squad, Tuchel explained how he and another inclusion, Jordan Henderson, brought qualities in terms of leadership and experience.
The new England boss added he was “surprised” Burn had never received a previous call-up, and the defender spoke on Monday about the positive impetus he can have on the international stage.
“He just said he needed to end the day on a good note, that he wanted us to be in the squad, just to do what he felt my strengths were, which I explained when I spoke to him,” Burn said.
“I said exactly the same to Eddie Howe when signing for Newcastle, I thought I could offer just as much off the pitch as I do on.
“I feel like I’m a leader, on and off the pitch. I feel as if I just sit into the role. I know it’s going to be tough coming in here knowing all these international players, I’ve never done that before but that’s how I feel I can best help the team. That’s what I want to do.”
The former Brighton & Hove Albion player said he wanted the focus to remain on his on-pitch contributions, however.
“I’ve waited a long time for this opportunity and I didn’t want to spoil it. He (Tuchel) said I’ve been playing well for a long time. I’m not just coming in to be a cheerleader — I want to play.
“I had never played any international football, which worked against us. I did think it had passed us by at 32. When the new manager came in it was that feeling of ‘you never know’.”
Burn has made 139 appearances for Newcastle since signing from Brighton in January 2022, helping Howe’s side to UEFA Champions League qualification the following season via a fourth-placed Premier League finish.
(Paul Ellis/AFP via Getty Images)
