Dan Burn’s World Cup spot confirmed as Thomas Tuchel’s England verdict justified
Dan Burn has become an England regular under Thomas Tuchel with the 2026 World Cup now looming after an impressive qualification stage.
The huge defender has also made his name as a hero on Tyneside over the last few years, with cult-hero status achieved after he netted the opener in Newcastle‘s Carabao Cup triumph against Liverpool back in March.
Thomas Tuchel handed Burn his England debut not long after, and he remained a rock at the back as the Magpies impressed towards the end of the last campaign to finish fifth in the top-flight.
Burn signed a contract extension with Newcastle in May, a reward for his great form under Eddie Howe, and Tuchel has continued to back him for the Three Lions with four more caps since his debut.
The latest of those came as England beat Albania 2-0 on Sunday (16 November), and his performance will have shown Tuchel that he has been right all along about the big Geordie’s World Cup chances.
Tuchel has already been intending to take Burn to the World Cup
Reports last month stated that Burn is a favourite of Tuchel and already looked to have booked his ticket to the World Cup in the States next year.
The German boss had his mind set on taking Burn to the World Cup months ago, as he had been “taken” by his nature both on and off the pitch.
He is also said to believe that the North American heat will see a lot of the tournament’s games have low scorelines when entering the final half-hour, so wants Burn as an option from set-pieces, even from the bench.
The 33-year-old has previously spoken of his desire to go to the tournament, saying: “I’ve been buzzing ever since that first call-up. I’m just so proud to represent my country and I just want to keep ticking off those camps.
“I’d be delighted if I got to the World Cup. I feel like sometimes if you say it out loud, it gets manifested. So, that’s what I’m doing!”
Stellar centre-back showing vs Albania has consolidated his World Cup place
Burn has simply needed to maintain similar levels of performances to firmly consolidate his place in Tuchel’s thoughts for his finals squad.
He has continued to impress for Newcastle despite their poor form as a team, and his latest Three Lions performance against Albania has proven the manager’s previous thoughts to be absolutely spot on.
Burn was impressive in Tirana on Sunday as he was handed a start at centre-back and played the full 97 minutes in a relatively comfortable 2-0 victory.
He completed 98 of his 102 attempted passes (96%), won five of his six duels, made four clearances, three recoveries and even created a big chance as Jude Bellingham wasted his flick on from a corner in the first-half.
It was a commanding showing, especially as the likes of Jarell Quansah and Nico O’Reilly, who are his competition for places in the World Cup squad, were caught out at times by the hosts’ pacey attackers.
Burn has now played at centre-back in all five of his England appearances, but he features as a left-back for Newcastle week-in, week-out, and so his versatility should also stand him in good stead to make the plane to the USA next year.
There is only one more Three Lions camp until Tuchel names his final group to take on the World Cup, and the 33-year-old will surely be named in both squads considering his form and the manager’s thoughts.