Five England call-ups now leaked – Congratulations to Newcastle’s Dan Burn

As Thomas Tuchel prepares to unveil his first squad as England manager, Newcastle United’s Dan Burn is poised to receive a surprise call-up, marking a potential international debut at the age of 33.

The towering defender has been a consistent performer for Eddie Howe’s side this season, and his efforts appear to have caught the attention of the new England boss. Burn’s inclusion would not only be a testament to his resilience and form but also a reflection of Tuchel’s willingness to think outside the box as he reshapes the national team.

According to reports from The Mail’s Craig Hope and The Athletic’s David Ornstein, Burn is set to be named in the England squad for the upcoming fixtures against Latvia and Albania. This unexpected call-up comes as Tuchel looks to inject fresh energy and versatility into his defensive options.

Alongside Burn, the squad is expected to feature emerging talents such as Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers, Arsenal’s Myles Lewis-Skelly, AC Milan’s Kyler Walker, and Manchester United loanee Marcus Rashford.

However, the status of other Newcastle players, including Nick Pope and Tino Livramento, remains uncertain, while Anthony Gordon is likely to retain his place. Lewis Hall, meanwhile, is set to miss out due to ankle surgery.

Burn’s potential inclusion has sparked widespread discussion, particularly given his age and the fact that he has never previously been capped by England.

Hope notes that Tuchel watched Burn closely during Newcastle’s 1-0 victory over West Ham on Monday night, with the defender’s performance reportedly leaving a strong impression.

“Tuchel is said to be giving serious consideration to what would still be a shock call-up, despite the player’s excellent form,” Hope writes. This suggests that Burn’s consistent displays at both club and international level have finally earned him the recognition many believe he deserves.

The question of whether Burn deserves a place in the England squad is a topic of debate. While Newcastle’s defensive record this season has been inconsistent, Burn has stood out as one of the team’s most reliable performers.

His ability to adapt to different roles within the backline, coupled with his physical presence and composure, has made him a key figure for Howe’s side. Some argue that Burn’s exclusion from the national team in recent years was less about his ability and more about former manager Gareth Southgate’s preference for a select group of players. Now, under Tuchel, Burn may finally get his chance to shine on the international stage.

Hope also suggests that Burn’s call-up could be influenced by the absence of his Newcastle teammate Lewis Hall, who is sidelined with a season-ending injury. This has reportedly opened up a space on the left side of England’s defense, with Burn emerging as a strong candidate to fill the void. Chelsea’s Levi Colwill is also said to be in contention, but Burn’s versatility and experience could give him the edge.

One of Burn’s greatest strengths is his adaptability, a quality that aligns perfectly with Tuchel’s tactical approach. The German manager is known for his preference for a five-at-the-back system, which relies heavily on versatile defenders who can seamlessly transition between roles.

Burn’s ability to play as a center-back, left-back, or even as part of a back three makes him an ideal fit for Tuchel’s plans. His presence would provide stability and allow more attack-minded players, such as Myles Lewis-Skelly, the freedom to push forward and contribute to the team’s offensive efforts.

For Burn, this call-up represents the culmination of years of hard work and perseverance. Having spent much of his career flying under the radar, the 33-year-old has proven that age is no barrier to excellence. His journey from Brighton to Newcastle, and now potentially to the England national team, is a testament to his dedication and professionalism.

If selected, Burn would bring a wealth of experience and a no-nonsense approach to the squad, qualities that could prove invaluable in the upcoming qualifiers.

As Tuchel prepares to announce his squad, the inclusion of Dan Burn would send a clear message: form and versatility matter more than reputation or age. For Burn, it would be a well-deserved opportunity to represent his country and showcase his talents on the international stage.

Whether he makes his debut or not, his potential call-up is a reminder that football rewards those who consistently perform, regardless of the path they’ve taken to get there. For England fans, it’s an exciting glimpse into the new era under Tuchel, where fresh faces and fresh ideas could pave the way for future success.