Newcastle manager Eddie Howe has called Dan Burn’s call-up to the England squad for the first time ‘one of the great football stories’.
Burn has been selected in Thomas Tuchel’s first squad, ahead of England’s 2026 World Cup qualifiers with Albania and Latvia this month. It caps an incredible rise for the 32-year-old, who began his career at Darlington and did not become a Premier League regular until the age of 27.
BIG DAN BURN 😍🏴
He’s been included in the @England squad for the very first time!
Massive congratulations, Dan – so well deserved! 🦁 pic.twitter.com/61AFXJgQXb
— Newcastle United (@NUFC) March 14, 2025
Burn has been recognised for his consistent performances for Newcastle, having been a key part of the club’s rebuild under Howe. This weekend, he will face Liverpool in the Carabao Cup final as Newcastle look to end a 70-year drought for a domestic trophy.
Should Burn make his debut for the Three Lions this month, he will become the oldest debutant for the national team in 15 years. Speaking at his pre-match press conference, Howe called Burn’s England call-up an incredible moment for the defender.
“Incredible moment for Dan. I have to say there is no one more deserving in my opinion. Starting to work with Dan when we did, came in during our relegation battle. Just such an inspiring guy but also a very talented player,” Howe said.
“I think it is a great story really, one of the great football stories, one of the great comebacks.
“Someone who had to do it the real hard way, coming through the leagues. Dedicated, professional, a leader, a real man, an inspirational figure.”
