Despite some indifferent form for Newcastle United, Dan Burn may have been handed a major World Cup boost.
While not many would expect Burn to start for England at the 2026 World Cup later this summer, he has often seemed certain to be included.
Indeed, England head coach Thomas Tuchel rates Burn highly, and his status in the squad has been underlined following recent comments from the Three Lions on Harry Maguire.
Tuchel hints that Maguire is behind Burn in England pecking order
Speaking about the Manchester United defender, Tuchel said there were several options ahead of him in the pecking order – despite all of his experience.
When asked about Maguire, Tuchel said (via Sky Sports): “I haven’t changed my mind, but I see other players I like to start for us, I see other players ahead with a different profile.”
While he didn’t specifically name the Newcastle United star, the fact that he has been included in the squad for the Japan game is perhaps indicative of his place in the set-up.
Marc Guehi, Harry Kane, Bukayo Saka, Declan Rice and Anthony Gordon were also among those given a rest until the Japan game, although the two Arsenal players have since pulled out.
All of them would surely be considered starters ahead of the World Cup and the fact Burn is included in that group might be telling.
Burn has struggled for Newcastle this season but has consistently featured in squads under Tuchel ever since he made his England debut only a few days after winning the Carabao Cup with his club.
Tuchel thinks Burn can be a threat from set-pieces, a role that Maguire could also feasibly undertake.
Maguire is the player most similar to Burn in the enlarged squad. Assuming that Guehi and Ezri Konsa start at the tournament with John Stones an option depending on fitness, there is one spot left if Tuchel is going to take four specialised centre-backs.
All signs right now would suggest that Burn is the leading favourite for that spot.