‘I said to him’: Alan Shearer shares what he told Dan Burn immediately after Newcastle won the Carabao Cup
Dan Burn emerged as one of Newcastle United’s standout heroes during their historic Carabao Cup triumph over Liverpool at Wembley.
The towering defender etched his name into Newcastle folklore with a thunderous header just before half-time, a goal that sent the Magpies on their way to ending a 56-year wait for silverware.
As the ball hit the back of the net, cameras immediately captured Alan Shearer, Newcastle’s all-time leading scorer, celebrating wildly in the stands. The sight of Shearer, a Geordie legend, reveling in the moment encapsulated the sheer joy and significance of the occasion for the club and its fans.
Burn’s performance drew widespread praise, with Micah Richards among those lauding the defender’s contribution. Much of the credit for Burn’s success was attributed to Eddie Howe’s meticulous preparation.
Newcastle had identified Liverpool’s vulnerability from set-pieces, and Burn capitalized on a perfectly delivered corner from Kieran Trippier to outmuscle Alexis Mac Allister and head home. It was a moment of brilliance that highlighted Burn’s aerial prowess and the tactical acumen of Howe’s coaching staff.
Following the final, Shearer shared a lighthearted exchange he had with Burn during the post-match celebrations. Speaking on The Rest Is Football podcast, Shearer revealed that he jokingly suggested Burn should consider retiring after the high of such an unforgettable week. “I said to him last night, I was having a pint with him, and I said, you might as well retire, man—because the week you’ve had, it’s not getting any better,” Shearer recounted.
He added that Burn, who had recently been called up to the England squad, responded with characteristic humility and enthusiasm. “He said, you know what? I don’t give a damn. I can’t wait to get up with England,” Shearer recalled. The conversation ended with Burn humorously suggesting he might retire after the upcoming international break, to which Shearer quipped, “Can you imagine? The lad from Blyth, from Newcastle, to come in and score that first goal.”
Burn’s heroics at Wembley have also sparked discussions about his potential role with the England national team. With England set to face Albania and Latvia during the international break, Burn’s recent form and versatility make him a strong candidate for a starting spot in Thomas Tuchel’s defense.
Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi is likely to feature on the right side of a center-back partnership, leaving Burn to compete with the likes of Levi Colwill and Ezri Konsa for the left-sided role.
Burn’s left-footedness and commanding presence in the air give him a distinct advantage, and his ability to slot into a backline alongside Tino Livramento, who also impressed against Liverpool, further strengthens his case.
Livramento’s performance at Wembley was another highlight for Newcastle. The young full-back showcased his versatility and composure, proving he can excel in high-pressure situations. His ability to adapt to different roles within the team adds depth and flexibility to Howe’s defensive options, making him a valuable asset for both club and country.
Gary Lineker also weighed in on Newcastle’s triumph, singling out Joelinton for praise. The Brazilian midfielder has been a revelation under Howe, transforming from a struggling forward into a dominant force in the heart of Newcastle’s midfield.
Lineker highlighted Joelinton’s work rate and physicality as key factors in the Magpies’ success, noting how his contributions often go unnoticed but are crucial to the team’s overall performance.
Newcastle’s Carabao Cup victory marks a turning point for the club, signaling their return to the forefront of English football. For players like Burn, Livramento, and Joelinton, the triumph is a testament to their hard work and dedication.
As the Magpies look to build on this success, the focus will shift to maintaining momentum in the Premier League and potentially securing European football for next season.
For Burn, the dream week could get even better if he earns his first England cap during the upcoming international break. His journey from Blyth to Wembley, culminating in a match-winning goal in a major final, is a story of perseverance and determination.
As Newcastle fans continue to celebrate their long-awaited trophy, Burn’s heroics will forever be remembered as a defining moment in the club’s history. The future looks bright for both Burn and Newcastle United, with the promise of more memorable moments to come.