Dan Burn, the reliable defender for Newcastle United and the England national team, recently shared how crucial it was to stay focused amidst the whirlwind of excitement just before delivering a standout man of the match performance in the EFL Cup final. This came right after he got his first call-up to the national team, the Three Lions.
Burn, at 32, was a surprising yet deserving pick in Thomas Tuchel’s debut England squad announced last Friday, just two days ahead of Newcastle’s big game against Liverpool at Wembley.
He was a rock in defense as Newcastle finally quenched their 70-year thirst for a domestic trophy, and their 56-year wait for a major title of any kind, clinching a 2-1 victory over the Premier League frontrunners.
Burn not only scored Newcastle’s opener just before the break but was also pivotal in maintaining their lead after Alexander Isak extended it to 2-0.
However, there wasn’t too much time to celebrate. By Monday, Burn had joined the England camp at St George’s Park, as the team geared up for upcoming matches against Albania and Latvia.
Speaking in an interview posted on England’s social media, Burn discussed how he managed to keep his focus during such a hectic week.
“It was tough,” Burn admitted. “I had to temporarily set aside thoughts of England to concentrate wholly on the final. But as soon as the game was over, my focus naturally shifted.”
In a tweet from the England team, Burn humorously summed up his remarkable week with, “I’ve had worse weeks.”
Burn’s journey to this point was anything but straightforward. Initially released by Newcastle at just 11 years old, he began his professional journey with Darlington, later moving to Fulham. His career also included loan spells at Yeovil Town and Birmingham City before signing with Wigan Athletic and, subsequently, Brighton and Hove Albion.
Returning to his roots, Burn rejoined Newcastle in January 2022. His career path, which led him through all five tiers of English football, is a testament to his resilience—something he credits for his late but well-earned shot on the international stage.
“I’m really thankful to the manager and staff for this opportunity,” Burn expressed.
“My career hasn’t followed a straight path, with lots of ups and downs, and I think those experiences have made me resilient.”
He continued, “I’ve always believed in my ability to play at this level. It’s just about seizing the opportunities when they come, and I’m keen to prove the manager’s faith in me is well-placed.”
