Dan Burn’s story is like something from a movie – and his fairytale is only continuing.
The big man from Blyth was released by Newcastle at 11 and worked at Asda as a 16-year-old teenager, with some claiming the defender would never make it in the pro game.
A decade and a half later he’s joined his boyhood club, captained us, scored in the Champions League in a 4-1 win over PSG, been called up to the England squad and scored in a cup final win at Wembley.
Today, he’s been speaking to the press at St George’s Park, doing us proud once again just a few days after his cup final goal and iconic trophy lift at Wembley.
Facing the media at the England HQ for the first time, Dan Burn’s first words summed things up nicely. “I’ve definitely had worst weeks!” he said.
He revealed his anxious Thursday night wait for a call from Thomas Tuchel, the new manager’s message and how he can offer “just as much on the pitch as he can on”.
As always, he spoke with passion, pride and like the leader of men he is. Watch his first words below:
Dan Burn reacts to his first England call-up after his Carabao Cup win with Newcastle 🏆 pic.twitter.com/gxOtOQgqaj
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) March 18, 2025
Burn is clearly going to be a huge presence from a leadership point of view, but he isn’t just with England to help off the field.
Discussing how he coped with Sunday’s final after the England call-up and competition for places, the 6ft 7′ Geordie revealed just how determined he is to become a Three Lions regular now a ‘clean slate’ has been offered under a new manager.
“All the lads were buzzing for me, but I tried to put it (cup win) to the back of my mind until after Sunday’s game,” Burn said.
“Sunday still hasn’t sunk in. I don’t think it will for a long time. I still feel numb about it all. I want to feel something! But now all of my focus is England and how I can help.”
“I was one of the first here. I’ve played against these lads numerous times. It’s friendly, but it is competition as well.
“Listen, everyone wants to play for England and you know that there are players in your position.
“That’s what drives people. If people are comfortable and think a position is theirs, they can get complacent. It’s a clean slate for everyone. You want to make an impression on the manager and play regularly.”
Burn then discussed his immense pride at representing Newcastle and the North East, namechecking Blyth and Darlington as big parts of his journey from the lower leagues to the top.
He did admit that the area is often overlooked, but hopefully his story and the love for football in our region inspires more to follow his path in the years to come:
“The North East is a little bit overlooked in football. There isn’t as many teams up there for players to come through compared to London.
“I’m very proud to be from Newcastle and from the North East. I love telling people where I’m from.
“I’m proud to be associated to all these clubs, from Blyth Spartans through to Darlington.”
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