Thomas Tuchel explains decision to call-up 'impressive' Dan Burn as German's first England squad announced

Friday morning brought confirmation of a rumour that broke on Thursday night that Newcastle United defender Dan Burn would be included in Thomas Tuchel's first England squad ahead of two World Cup Qualifiers this month.

Newcastle United fans have watched Dan Burn have perhaps his best season in a black and white shirt since his £13 million move from Brighton during Eddie Howe's first transfer window as Newcastle manager.

It was a move that raised eyebrows. Newcastle were expected to spend big on the game's mega stars after their PIF-backed takeover, instead Dan Burn arrived in the same transfer window as Matt Targett and Chris Wood. Yes, Bruno Guimaraes and Kieran Trippier also arrived in that window, but there was no sign of Kylian Mbappe and Neymar who had been talked about for months leading up to the takeover.

Dan Burn came to the club, realising a boyhood dream to play for the club he'd supported as a kid, and while he was never seen as the type of signing Newcastle were expected to make, his passion and versatility made him a first-team regular under Eddie Howe.

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Not even Newcastle United fans saw this call-up coming

Last season was a bit of a struggle for Burn who was forced to play left back where his lack of pace would often leave Newcastle chasing shadows, but when he was moved back to centre-back he suddenly rediscovered his confidence and his form.

This season, the 32-year-old has barely looked back and has been rock solid in almost every game for the Magpies and Thomas Tuchel has taken notice of the man who has risen through the ranks of non-league football to the Champions League.

If you'd have asked anyone last week whether they would expect to see Dan Burn in the England set-up, only Newcastle fans would have said he deserves a shot, but even most Geordies would likely have said that his age probably rules him out. Thankfully for Burn, that's now how Thomas Tuchel sees it.

Thomas Tuchel has been very impressed with Dan Burn

Speaking to reporters after announcing his first squad (via Newcastle World), Tuchel spoke very highly of Dan Burn.

"He has had a very impressive career and he’s a very solid player. He’s a very solid defender and a leader in the group. I have spoken to Dan and it was a very impressive phone call with very impressive messages that made me very comfortable in this call-up that we have picked a top team player that will help us build the right team.

“International football is about team spirit. It is about building a brotherhood. I was surprised that Dan was never called up. He’s such a tall guy but, obviously, it must be easy to overlook him! It almost happened to me. When you see the reaction from Dan, you instantly know you picked the right guy.”

With games against Albania and Latvia coming up, Dan Burn could find himself playing at Wembley twice in a week with Sunday's Carabao Cup Final followed by England vs Albania on Friday. Fingers crossed Wembley becomes a happy place for Burn in the upcoming week.