Newcastle United defender Dan Burn has revealed he is fully immersed in his England World Cup experience, stating he will only truly reflect on his remarkable journey once his playing career ends. The 34-year-old Blyth native, who has earned nine caps, is yet to feature in the tournament but is expected to be on the bench for the crucial last-16 clash against Mexico.
Burn's Unlikely Rise to the Top
Burn's path to the World Cup is extraordinary. After starting at Blyth Spartans, he played in the lower leagues for Yeovil, Darlington, and Wigan before rising to prominence at Brighton & Hove Albion and his boyhood club Newcastle. In the past three years, he has scored twice in the Champions League, netted a memorable goal at Wembley to help Newcastle beat Liverpool in the Carabao Cup final, and collected England caps.
Speaking exclusively to Chronicle Live from the United States, Burn said: "I try not to reflect on it. Especially at the minute when you are focused. But when we got to the England training camp in Kansas, it really did kick in, the enormity of it and being at the World Cup. So I am just trying to stay in the present moment as much as possible. Then I can reflect on everything that has happened when I am done."
Mexico Clash Amid Storm and Altitude Concerns
The match against Mexico, scheduled for 1am BST (6pm local time), faces potential disruption from storms and altitude challenges. FIFA initially considered moving the kick-off forward by six hours but opted to keep the original time. Burn is prepared to step in if needed, saying: "We set the standard in the Croatia game in the second half, if we can play like that, we should do well. I do think I will get a chance at some point - it is just making sure when I do, I take it."
Team Spirit and Brotherhood
Burn emphasized the tight-knit atmosphere within Thomas Tuchel's squad, drawing parallels to Argentina's World Cup-winning team in 2022. "From the very first camp I went to, we made a big thing about a brotherhood and being together," he said. "I feel that a lot of teams that win it are close. You look at Argentina at the last World Cup and they fought for each other. That's what we want to do."
Newcastle Contingent Dwindles
Burn is the only Newcastle player remaining in the England squad after Lewis Hall was left out, Anthony Gordon was sold to Barcelona, and Tino Livramento suffered an injury in the United States. Burn expressed sympathy for Livramento: "I was gutted for Tino Livramento. It is really gutting for him but it is just one of those things and he will come back stronger."
