Former Newcastle United captain and England World Cup star Nicky Butt has called for Dan Burn to start for the Three Lions in their World Cup quarter-final clash against Norway. Butt described Burn as the 'perfect' man to face Erling Haaland, citing the defender's aerial strength and impressive record against the Norwegian striker.
Burn's Impact Against Mexico
Burn came on for the last 15 minutes in England's 3-2 victory over Mexico, helping the team see out the game with five at the back. He made eight defensive contributions, including a heroic late block from Alvaro Fidalgo, to keep the hosts at bay and secure England's place in the last eight.
Speaking after the match, Burn said: 'I don't know if we quite planned for this scenario! I knew that I was being brought here for a certain reason. I probably wasn't going to start but there was going to be opportunities in a game whether we're trying to see a game out or maybe go for a goal that I was going to get.'
Butt's Endorsement
Butt, speaking on The Good, The Bad & The Football podcast, said: 'I stood next to him in an airport about nine months ago and he was massive. It was literally like looking at a basketball player. He is absolutely massive! What's perfect for Dan Burn is to play him in a back three, and there's balls coming in, he's just going to head it clear and defend all day long.'
Burn's Record Against Haaland
Norway's Erling Haaland has struggled against Newcastle United, scoring just once in 10 matches against the Magpies. In 10 duels against Burn across six matches, Haaland has won only 50% in the air and nine duels on the deck from 15. Burn acknowledged the challenge ahead: 'It does not surprise us that Norway are at this stage of the competition. From qualifiers, they won every game, and they've got Haaland, one of the best strikers in the world. To be honest, I just want to celebrate this victory.'
National Acclaim
Burn's performance has been hailed across the nation, with his defensive stats from a 15-minute cameo thrilling supporters on Tyneside. The 6ft 7in defender's role in stopping Raul Jimenez has further boosted his case for a starting spot against Norway.
