England defender Dan Burn has revealed his secret to keeping Erling Haaland quiet, having conceded just one goal in 10 appearances against the prolific Manchester City striker. The 34-year-old Newcastle centre-back could face Haaland again on Saturday when England take on Norway in the World Cup quarter-final in Miami.
Burn's Impressive Record Against Haaland
Standing at 6ft 7in, Burn is two inches taller than the Norwegian powerhouse (6ft 5in) and has used his physicality to frustrate Haaland. When asked about his record, Burn said: "Yeah, I don't want to jinx it. Yeah, one goal. I do enjoy playing against Erling, purely just from a physical point of view. I quite like that sort of physical battle and I get on well with him on the pitch."
Burn acknowledged that he may not start the match, with four other top-quality centre-halves in the squad, but he is ready if called upon: "But yeah, if I'm asked to do that, I'd be more than ready and more than happy to do that."
Burn's Impact Against Mexico
Burn is still basking in the glory of England's historic 1-0 victory over co-hosts Mexico at the Azteca Stadium on Sunday. He made eight defensive contributions, including two headed clearances that reached the halfway line. Reflecting on the performance, Burn said: "It's one of them where I know I've been brought for certain scenarios and I could see already what was coming and sort of just preparing yourself to come on."
Despite the enormity of the occasion, Burn remained calm: "I think it's different when you're 34 and have played over 500 games. So it's really just the same game, just a different level. I wasn't nervous coming on. I knew what I was coming on to do and just wanted to get on and help the lads."
World Cup Dream Alongside Newcastle Triumph
For Burn, only one game surpasses the win over Mexico: Newcastle's Carabao Cup final victory last season, which ended the club's 70-year trophy drought. He said: "Yeah, it's got me top two. I've said that between that and the Cup final at Newcastle. I think it's hard because obviously I'm a Geordie and it was so long since we won something."
Burn added: "It's nice to say no one could take that away from us now. I've played at the World Cup, so it's special, but I want more. I'd love to do it all."
