Dan Burn on receiving his first England call-up: ‘I’ve waited a long time for this opportunity’ | OneFootball

Newcastle defender Dan Burn says he believes he has got the ability to play international football after earning his first England call-up.

Burn, fresh off helping Newcastle win their first domestic trophy in 70 years on Sunday in the Carabao Cup final, joins the England squad for the first time, and at 32-years-old, is one of the oldest in the squad.

The 6ft 7in defender opened the scoring for Eddie Howe’s men at the end of the first half at Wembley, but after an evening of celebrating with his family, friends and teammates, Burn’s focus was fully on his national team.

“It was strange, as soon as I left the stadium [Wembley], it switched to this,” Burn said. “We got the bus back at 12 o’clock. It was getting rowdy and I was ready to go back to bed.

“I’ve got the ability to play international level. I want to make the most of it and try get on the pitch as much as possible.

“I feel like I’m a leader on and off the pitch,. I fit into that role. It is going to be tough coming with all the international players, but that’s how I feel I can best help the team.”

The 32-year-old felt his international career was over before it had started, after not receiving a phone call of Three Lions boss Thomas Tuchel, but the German eventually got in touch to tell Burn the good news.

When asked what his first conversation with Tuchel was like, Burn responded: “The manager ‘Facetimed’ us on Tuesday, he said they were debating whether they were calling us up. Six o’clock Thursday night I had not heard anything then I got a text at 10pm.

“I got a Facetime call and I did struggle to sleep. He said first of all not professional being in bed for 10pm. So, I apologised for that!

“Then he said he has been ringing everyone that had not made the squad. He said he needed to end the day on a good note. I’ve waited a long time for this opportunity and I didn’t want to spoil it.

“He [Thomas Tuchel] said I’ve been playing well for a long time. I’m not just coming in to be a cheerleader – I want to play.

“You need to be given those opportunities. Now I want to make the most of it and get on the pitch as much as possible.”