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Newcastle defender makes honest England admission after Thomas Tuchel appointment

Dan Burn isn't expecting an England call-up under Thomas Tuchel <i>(Image: PA)</i>
Dan Burn isn't expecting an England call-up under Thomas Tuchel (Image: PA)

NEWCASTLE United defender Dan Burn isn't expecting Thomas Tuchel's appointment as England boss to lead to a first  Three Lions call-up, admitting he's likely to have to accept defeat where his international dream is concerned.

Burn has been a key figure in Newcastle's backline in recent seasons and starred in the 2022/23 campaign when the success of Howe's side - who qualified for the Champions League - was built on clean sheets and solid defensive foundations.

But an England opportunity never presented itself for Burn when Gareth Southgate was boss, and the defender doesn't anticipate that changing after the arrival of Tuchel.

Regardless of how well Burn fares for the Magpies, he thinks Tuchel is more likely to turn to young defenders in the early stages of their career who have come through the international system.

"I'm think I'm done with that to be fair," smiled the 32-year-old.

"You never know but I think there is a pathway with England now where they are bringing through younger players.

"I think that’s one of those things that’s probably gotten away from us. I’d have loved to have done that but I’m happy with the career that I’ve had."

Burn's only focus is on Newcastle, with the centre-half hoping to finish his career at his home club after it was revealed last week that his contract - which was due to expire this summer - has been extended.

His immediate aim is helping the Magpies get back on track after a four-game winless run. Scoring goals has been a problem in recent weeks but Burn isn't overly concerned.

He said: "It’s an area we’ve worked a lot on but it’s something I think that ebbs and flows.

"It’s always hard at the start of a season to build momentum because there are a lot of international breaks. You feel like it’s stop-start with lads going all over the world and then coming back.

"Now is the time going into November and December and January when it really kicks in with all those games and you’ll really see how we are this season."