How the national media reacted to Newcastle star Dan Burn’s England display against Albania

Dan Burn’s remarkable week has seen him transition from ending Newcastle United’s 70-year trophy drought to making his long-awaited England debut, capping off a dream period for the 32-year-old defender.

Just days after scoring the opening goal in Newcastle’s historic 2-1 Carabao Cup final victory over Liverpool at Wembley, Burn was handed his first international cap by England manager Thomas Tuchel.

The towering center-back played the full 90 minutes as England kicked off their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign with a comfortable 2-0 win over Albania, marking a memorable start to Tuchel’s tenure.

Burn’s goal in the Carabao Cup final was a historic moment for Newcastle, as it was their first at Wembley since 2000. His header not only set the tone for the Magpies’ triumph but also cemented his status as a fan favorite.

The defender’s seamless transition from club hero to international debutant highlights his consistency and reliability, qualities that have earned him recognition at the highest level.

Against Albania, Burn nearly marked his England debut with a goal, only to see his powerful header strike the crossbar in the first half. Despite the near miss, his performance was solid and earned praise from the national media.

The Telegraph awarded Burn a 6/10, describing him as a “huge presence for England, particularly at set-pieces.” They noted his aerial threat and his role in England’s innovative “love train” formation during corners, which aimed to create space for him to attack the ball.

BBC Sport also gave him a 6/10, acknowledging his solid display while pointing out a couple of nervy moments, including a slight miscommunication with goalkeeper Jordan Pickford. However, they praised his ability to recover and deal with danger effectively, as well as his threat from set-pieces.

The Daily Mail echoed these sentiments, labeling Burn a “menace” when attacking corners and awarding him the same score. The Daily Express went a step further, giving Burn a 7/10 and commending his calm and assured demeanor on debut, despite having little defensive work to do.

Burn’s England debut was a testament to his hard work and perseverance, proving that age is no barrier to achieving international recognition. His performance against Albania showcased his aerial dominance, composure on the ball, and ability to contribute at both ends of the pitch.

With 153 touches, a 99% pass accuracy, seven clearances, and four aerial duels won, Burn demonstrated why he has become such a vital player for Newcastle and now, potentially, for England.

While Burn was the only Newcastle player to start for England, Anthony Gordon and Tino Livramento were also part of the squad. Gordon, making his first appearance since being sent off in Newcastle’s FA Cup defeat to Brighton, came on as a second-half substitute for Marcus Rashford.

However, his night ended on a concerning note as he limped off the pitch after receiving treatment for an injury at full-time. Livramento, who delivered a standout performance against Mohamed Salah in the Carabao Cup final, was an unused substitute but will hope to feature in England’s next qualifier against Latvia on Monday night.

For Burn, the past week has been a whirlwind of emotions and achievements. From scoring at Wembley to making his England debut, he has proven his worth on both the domestic and international stages.

His performances have not only silenced his critics but also highlighted his importance to both Newcastle and England. As the Magpies continue their push for success and England aim to secure World Cup qualification, Burn’s presence will be crucial.

His journey from relative obscurity to becoming a key figure for club and country is a story of resilience and determination, and one that Newcastle and England fans will celebrate for years to come.