Dan Burn’s football journey is one of those stories that make the sport so special a tale of perseverance, hard work, and late blooming success.
The Newcastle United defender, signed for £13 million in 2022, has gone from being released as a child by his boyhood club to becoming a vital part of Eddie Howe’s ambitious project and even breaking into the England squad.
Now, with the 2026 World Cup fast approaching, Burn finds himself in the conversation for a place in the national team, something that seemed impossible not so long ago.
At 33 years old, Burn continues to play with the energy and hunger of someone who knows exactly what it means to fight for a place at the top.
Having spent years climbing through the lower leagues, from Darlington to Wigan and then to Brighton, his rise is not just inspiring for Newcastle fans but also for fellow professionals.
One of them is Everton’s James Tarkowski, who recently admitted that Burn’s journey has been a real source of motivation.
Speaking on That Peter Crouch Podcast, Tarkowski was open about how much he admires Burn’s story. He talked about looking at players who have found a way back into the England setup later in their careers and how it gives him hope that his own international dreams are not over.
Tarkowski has two England caps from 2018 but hasn’t been part of the national team picture for some time. Seeing Burn a player of similar age and experience performing at a high level for a Champions League club has reignited that belief.
Tarkowski mentioned how Thomas Tuchel’s decision to bring Burn into the England fold earlier this year showed that experience still counts. With Burn already earning four caps, Tarkowski acknowledged that he draws inspiration from watching him succeed.
He said, “Yeah, I mean, I’ve seen maybe Henderson’s in there for an experienced role, but obviously then I’ve seen Dan Burn at the minute he’s playing for Newcastle, a Champions League team that’s doing really well, and he’s quite an experienced player.
So I’d say I’m not giving up on it. I’ll be doing everything I can to perform to the best of my ability, but it’s been a long time since I’ve been around it, so it’s not like I’m sitting around expecting a call any time soon.”
For Tarkowski, Burn’s example is proof that persistence pays off. For Burn, his current position is a reward for years of professionalism and quiet determination.
He’s not the flashiest defender, nor the quickest, but his consistency, leadership, and adaptability have made him indispensable for Howe’s Newcastle. Often deployed at left-back, Burn gives the team defensive solidity and balance, something that’s helped Newcastle thrive both domestically and in Europe.
What makes Burn’s story so extraordinary is the perspective of his career timeline. Back in 2010, when Frank Lampard’s infamous “ghost goal” against Germany was ruled out at the World Cup, Burn was only beginning his senior career with Darlington in League Two.
Four years later, when England travelled to Brazil, he had just been relegated with Fulham. By 2018, Burn was at Brighton but spent much of his time on loan in the Championship with Wigan. None of those moments hinted at a player who would one day pull on the England shirt.
Then came 2022 the turning point. Newcastle signed Burn as part of their transformation under Eddie Howe, and his impact was immediate. His defensive composure, experience, and leadership helped solidify a backline that propelled the Magpies back into the Champions League for the first time in two decades.
His performances have been so consistent that Thomas Tuchel couldn’t ignore him, rewarding his form with a first international call-up.
Now, with the World Cup less than two years away, Burn can genuinely dream of representing his country on the world stage. It’s not something he ever took for granted his path has been too unpredictable for that but it’s an achievement that reflects his unshakable belief and dedication to improvement.
If he does make it to the 2026 World Cup, it would be the crowning moment of a career built on resilience. From being released at 11, grinding his way through the lower tiers, to starring for a club he once dreamed of playing for, Dan Burn’s journey reminds everyone that football rewards those who never stop believing.
And for players like James Tarkowski, his story serves as a timely reminder that no matter your age or the setbacks you face, it’s never too late to chase your dream again.
