National media drools over Newcastle star who broke 15-year England record vs Albania
When Dan Burn was named in Thomas Tuchel’s England squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, many were surprised. The 32-year-old Newcastle United defender, known more for his reliability than flashy performances, isn’t the typical name one expects to see in a squad filled with younger, more high-profile stars.
However, Burn silenced his doubters with a commanding display as England secured a comfortable 2-0 victory over Albania, marking a memorable night for the towering center-back.
On a night that also saw Arsenal’s teenage sensation Myles Lewis-Skelly make history, Burn carved out his own piece of English football folklore. At 32 years and 123 days old, he became the oldest player to make his England debut since Kevin Davies, who was 33 when he earned his first cap against Montenegro in October 2010.
Burn’s inclusion in the squad and his subsequent performance highlighted his consistency and value, proving that age is no barrier to excellence.
Deployed at the heart of England’s defense alongside Aston Villa’s Ezri Konsa, Burn was far from a passive participant. He recorded an astonishing 153 touches during the match, showcasing his composure and ability to dictate play from the back.
His passing accuracy was nothing short of remarkable, completing 99% of his passes, including 14 into the final third and all three of his attempted long balls.
Defensively, Burn was equally impressive, making seven clearances, winning both of his attempted tackles, and recovering possession twice. He also dominated in the air, winning four of his six aerial duels, and even came close to scoring on his debut, narrowly missing a chance to cap off his performance with a goal.
Burn’s display earned widespread praise from the English media. The Daily Mail highlighted his aerial dominance, describing him as a “menace” during set-pieces and corners. The Evening Standard commended his “crucial clearances” and noted that he is a “welcome addition to England’s backline.”
These accolades reflect not only his impact on the game but also his ability to step up on the international stage despite his lack of prior experience at this level.
Tuchel is expected to rotate his squad for England’s next qualifier against Latvia, but Burn’s performance has undoubtedly given the manager food for thought.
The Newcastle defender has proven that he can compete at the highest level, offering a blend of physicality, composure, and tactical intelligence that could make him a valuable asset for England in their World Cup qualifying campaign.
Burn’s international debut is the latest chapter in what has been a standout season for the defender. He has been a key figure for Newcastle, featuring in 36 games across all competitions and playing a pivotal role in their historic EFL Cup triumph.
His only goal of the season came at Wembley, where he opened the scoring in Newcastle’s 2-1 victory over Liverpool, a moment that will forever be etched in the club’s history.
For Burn, this call-up and debut represent the culmination of years of hard work and perseverance. Often overlooked in favor of more glamorous names, he has quietly established himself as one of the Premier League’s most reliable defenders.
His performance against Albania not only justified his inclusion in the squad but also demonstrated that he belongs on the international stage. As England continue their quest for World Cup qualification, Burn’s presence in the team could provide the experience and stability needed to navigate the challenges ahead.
For now, the Newcastle defender can bask in the satisfaction of a job well done, knowing he has proven his critics wrong and earned his place among England’s elite.