NEWCASTLE, England — Dan Burn don dey live di dream wey every footballer dey aspire to achieve, as him just receive im first international call-up right after him help Newcastle United win dem Carabao Cup for di first time in 70 years.
The 32-year-old defender, wey rise from humble beginnings when dem release am for Newcastle at age 11, don prove say im fit compete for England national team as dem get set to face Albania and Latvia for World Cup qualifiers.
“Definitely had worse weeks,” Burn tok with smile, wey show say e dey happy to enter international camp. E start im week when di England coach, Thomas Tuchel, FaceTimed am to discuss di possibility of calling am up and confirm am by Thursday night.
After helping Newcastle secure di trophy by scoring di opening goal in di cup final against Liverpool, Burn don shift im focus to di national team. “I’m not just coming in to sort of be a cheerleader. I want to play,” he emphasize.
Despite di setbacks wey e face in im career start, including relegation with Darlington, Burn climb di ranks wey lead am to Newcastle, and now, England. “I thought di opportunity to play for England don pass me by, but with new manager wey come in, I dey always reason say ‘you never know’,” Burn talk.
E get motivation to prove to rival players say he belong for di team. With players like Ben White and Luke Shaw also competing in di same position, di call-up point to di depth and options wey Tuchel dey look for as e build im squad.
“I’ve been playing well for a long time, so I’m not just coming to be a cheerleader for di boys, I’m here to play,” Burn state. E understand di challenge ahead of am but e dey ready to embrace di chance. “I feel like I’ve got di ability to play at di international level,” Burn added.
While e celebrate di Carabao Cup success, Burn don set hin mind on seizing dis international opportunity. E just dey wait for di right moment to fully enjoy di celebration after di team parade of di Carabao Cup win, but for now, he don prioritize di England chance. “I’ve waited a long time for this opportunity, and I don’t want to spoil it,” Burn explain.
