What the national media are saying about Dan Burn after watching Newcastle star play for England against Andorra
Dan Burn Earns Second England Cap in Narrow Win Over Andorra
Newcastle United’s towering defender Dan Burn made his second appearance for the England national team in their World Cup qualifier against Andorra on Saturday evening. The match, which ended in a narrow 1-0 victory for the Three Lions, saw Burn play the full 90 minutes as part of a performance that was more workmanlike than dominant from Thomas Tuchel’s side.
Having made his England debut earlier in March, Burn was once again trusted to start, lining up in central defense alongside Ezri Konsa. Though England were heavy favorites going into the match, they struggled to assert their superiority for much of the first half, and the team was even met with boos at the break after failing to break down Andorra’s deep defensive block.
The breakthrough eventually came shortly after half-time, courtesy of captain Harry Kane. His goal proved to be the game’s only strike, capping off a frustrating evening in which England failed to convert their overwhelming possession into a more convincing scoreline.
Burn’s performance drew mixed reactions from the national media. While his presence and work rate were evident, some critics pointed to his shortcomings in distribution and decision-making. The Sun rated him 4 out of 10, suggesting that while Tuchel clearly has faith in the Newcastle defender, his passing left much to be desired. “It is now obvious that Tuchel loves the Newcastle defender and he has got a very good chance of going to the World Cup,” they wrote. “But some of his passing was dreadful.”
talkSPORT was even more critical, awarding Burn a 3 out of 10. The broadcaster didn’t hold back in its assessment of the central defensive pairing, stating that both Konsa and Burn failed to make a real impact. “Giving the ball away cheaply against Andorra is not an option,” the commentary read, underlining the importance of maintaining composure even against lesser opposition.
On a more positive note, The Daily Mail offered a more generous evaluation, rating Burn 6 out of 10. The outlet acknowledged that Burn had little to do in terms of defensive duties due to Andorra’s lack of attacking threat. They noted, “He probably spent as much time in the opposition’s half as his own, given England’s dominance of possession. Still, it’s a good view of the pitch when you’re 6ft 7in tall.”
Despite the underwhelming scoreline, Burn’s statistical performance reflected a steady, if unspectacular, contribution. According to WhoScored, he led the England team in several key metrics. Burn registered the most touches of any player on the pitch with 132, suggesting his central role in England’s buildup play. He also led the team in aerial duels won (4), and tied for the most tackles (3) and interceptions (1) among his teammates.
Dan Burn’s England vs Andorra Stats (via WhoScored):
While Burn wasn’t tested defensively to a great extent—understandable given Andorra’s limitations—he still managed to play a pivotal role in controlling the tempo from the back. His physicality, aerial presence, and willingness to step forward with the ball were evident throughout the match, even if the end product was occasionally lacking.
Given the quality gap between the two teams, England were expected to cruise to a comfortable victory. Instead, the match served as a reminder that no game can be taken for granted at the international level. Nonetheless, the win keeps England on course in their qualification campaign, and for Burn, it was another important milestone in his late-blooming international career.
Though there’s plenty of room for improvement, particularly in terms of fluidity and finishing, Burn did his part on a night when few England players emerged with glowing reviews. If he continues to get minutes under Tuchel and puts in reliable performances, a spot in the World Cup squad next summer could very well be within reach.