Former Sunderland star Jordan Pickford hails Dan Burn mentality before England face Argentina | OneFootball

England face Argentina in the World Cup semi-final on Wednesday night, and Jordan Pickford has singled out Dan Burn as a standard-bearer for the squad’s mentality. According to Sunderland Echo, the former Sunderland goalkeeper believes the Newcastle United defender embodies the approach that has carried the Three Lions through the tournament.

Burn forced his way into Thomas Tuchel’s plans last year with a surprise call-up, then boarded the plane to North America fully aware of his role.

He did not play a minute in group games against Croatia, Ghana and Panama, or in the round-of-32 tie with DR Congo featuring Noah Sadiki and Arthur Masuaku.

Introduced in the round of 16 against co-hosts Mexico, he helped shore up England’s back line in a now-iconic 3-2 win at the Azteca Stadium.

Burn came on again in Saturday’s quarter-final with Erling Haaland’s Norway, as England edged through 2-1 after extra-time. His last-gasp header from the edge of the area ended any doubt over the result.

Speaking ahead of Wednesday’s tie, Pickford said that typifies Burn’s character. He noted the defender had barely featured before Mexico, where he made seven or eight headed challenges and dealt with an overhead kick from Jimenez, and added that training well and taking your chance matters. He called Burn brilliant and said that final header against Norway reflected both the player and the squad’s mentality.

Source: Sunderland Echo