Jordan Pickford praises Dan Burn’s mentality before England face Argentina | OneFootball

England face Argentina in the World Cup semi-final on Wednesday night, and former Sunderland goalkeeper Jordan Pickford says Dan Burn typifies the squad’s mentality.

As reported by Sunderland Echo, the Newcastle United star earned a surprise call-up from head coach Thomas Tuchel last year, then secured his place on the flight to North America knowing his role. He did not feature against Croatia, Ghana and Panama in the group stage or DR Congo in the round of 32.

Burn came off the bench in the round of 16 against co-hosts Mexico at the Azteca Stadium, helping to shore up the back line during a 3-2 victory as England withstood late pressure.

Introduced again in Saturday’s quarter-final with Erling Haaland’s Norway, he was central to a 2-1 extra-time win and headed a crucial late clearance from the edge of the area which helped settle any remaining doubt.

Speaking before the Argentina clash, Pickford praised Burn’s character, noting he had barely played, then against Mexico flung himself into repeated aerial challenges and even blocked an overhead kick from Jimenez. He said Burn trains well and took his chance, and that the last-gasp header in the Norway tie reflected both the player and the squad’s collective mindset.

Source: Sunderland Echo