Dan Burn wows on England debut – ‘It’s almost unfair’
Albania were unable to deal with Newcastle United defender Dan Burn in the air during the his debut for England at Wembley Stadium.
The centre-back, who was playing for Darlington in 2011, has experienced an incredible week, first lifting the Carabao Cup with for his boyhood Magpies before being called up to the Three Lions squad.
Burn sparked Wembley Stadium into life while playing against Arne Slot’s side on Sunday 16 March, heading home the opener past Caoimhin Kelleher before Alexander Isak, linked with a Liverpool move, secured the win, and it could have been even better for him for England.
With just minutes left of the first half remaining, the centre-back saw his headed effort crash off Albania’s crossbar and the keeper’s finger tips from a corner, before immediately getting his head to the second corner as well.
Towering over those around him, including his own teammates, pundits were laughing to themselves about how much of an advantage he holds in both penalty areas.
Dan Burn nearly relives Newcastle United moment at Wembley Stadium
Speaking live via ITV1 [21 March, 8.30pm], Sam Matterface said: “They can’t stop him getting first contact on it,” to which Lee Dixon chuckled: “It’s almost unfair!”
At half-time, Roy Keane added: “I’m surprised he doesn’t get more goals. He’s obviously a threat, and if you put it into the right area, he’s going to attack it. His confidence is sky-high but he probably should score more goals.
| Dan Burn v Albania | Stats, as per FotMob |
| Minutes played | 90 |
| Shots (xG) | 3 (0.15) |
| Accurate long balls | 3 (100%) |
| Tackles won | 2 (100%) |
| Ground duels won / Aerial duels won | 40% / 67% |
Thomas Tuchel battling to keep England job over Eddie Howe
Football Insider verdict
The veteran absolutely deserves his first England cap, albeit at the age of 32, with the Magpies having a brilliant campaign across all competitions.
Having teamed up with Aston Villa’s Ezri Konsa in the centre of defence on his debut, the duo look well-aligned in their duties and managed to keep an expected clean sheet against lesser opposition.
More top performances at international level for Burn, especially once the Three Lions reach the 2026 World Cup, could also mean good news for Newcastle supporters.
Tuchel is well aware of the timer above his head, with just 18 months to lift the World Cup title if he wants to remain in charge, but Eddie Howe is expected to be next on the list for England should that not be achieved.
Given the project that the former Bournemouth figure is currently building at St James’ Park, that would be incredibly painful for the Magpies, leaving Howe with quite the predicament.
Gareth Southgate was a much-loved figure amongst the England fans, especially after reaching finals in the Euros and World Cup, but his inability to lift silverware ended his eight-year spell in charge.