Dan Burn played a starring role for England in their 2-0 victory over Mexico in the World Cup last 16 in Mexico City, despite not having played competitively since June 10. The Newcastle United defender was introduced in the 75th minute after Jarell Quansah was sent off, and he made a crucial block to deny Raul Jimenez as England held on to a slender lead.
Tuchel's instructions and Burn's performance
When asked what England boss Thomas Tuchel had told him before coming on, Burn said: "What is expected of me really, he knows my height so it is blocking shots, blocking crosses. Just really trying to grind it out." Burn made six clearances, the joint most in the game, and set a new record for the most clearances by a player subbed on that late in a World Cup match since 1966.
Burn's remarkable journey
Burn's football journey is well documented: rejected by Newcastle as a kid, he played non-league for Darlington and worked on the trolleys at Asda before building a career at various clubs. Speaking about the experience, he said: "Amazing, I don't think I'll ever forget that night. I think the stadium and playing against Mexico, listening to the Mexican anthem was surreal."
England's resilience
England had stormed into a 2-0 lead thanks to Jude Bellingham but faced difficulties after Quansah's red card. Burn was introduced as Tuchel switched to a back five, and he played an integral part in the win. Burn added: "We can win in lots of different ways and this sums up the character of the team. We have talked about this brotherhood we have been building for the best part of a year, two years now. I think that came to the fore, to a man everyone was excellent."
England will face Norway in the quarter-finals in Miami on Saturday.
