Dan Burn: I thought I had scored on England debut, I'm getting greedy

In partnership with

Evening Standard

·21 mars 2025

Dan Burn: I thought I had scored on England debut, I'm getting greedy

Newcastle defender’s stellar week came within inches of getting even better

Dan Burn hailed an “amazing night” after making his England debut, insisting he has “earned his place” in the national team.

Vidéos OneFootball

The 32-year-old Newcastle defender was handed his first appearance for the national team in Thomas Tuchel’s first match in charge as England won 2-0 at home to Albania in Friday night’s opening 2026 World Cup qualifier.

It capped off a special week for Burn, who had received his maiden England call-up just two days before scoring in the Carabao Cup final as Newcastle won major domestic silverware for the first time in 70 years.

Burn partnered Ezri Konsa at centre-back against Albania and delivered a largely assured performance, going close to scoring but also suffering a few shaky moments in defence.

“An amazing night to walk out at Wembley and sing the national anthem and to start a game for England,” he said.

“Gutted I didn’t score again, but I’m getting a bit greedy I think, because I’ve had a pretty good week so far.

“Albania caused us some problems, so we were pretty disappointed with that.”

Close: Dan Burn hit the crossbar

Getty Images

Asked whether he believed he had scored when heading against the crossbar from a first-half corner, Burn admitted: “Yes, I did. Unfortunately, it didn’t go in.

“When I score, I tend to go on a little run. Every time there’s a corner now I try to get a little run and at least hit the target. Hopefully I’ll get one soon.

“I felt pretty calm the whole week. I feel I’ve earned my place and settled into the group pretty quickly.”