Dan Burn In Line To Start For England Against Croatia Tonight

Newcastle United defender Dan Burn could be handed a starting role for England tonight as Thomas Tuchel prepares his side for their UEFA Nations League meeting with Croatia at Wembley Stadium.

The 34-year-old was initially left out of Tuchel’s 25-man squad for November’s international fixtures, with the England head coach opting against including the experienced defender for the games against Croatia and Spain.

However, circumstances have since changed, with Burn receiving a late call-up following Marc Guehi’s withdrawal through injury. The Manchester City defender has been ruled out after picking up a hip problem, opening the door for the Newcastle centre-back to return to the international setup.

And with further defensive concerns surrounding England, Burn could find himself moving straight into the starting eleven for tonight’s encounter.

Ezri Konsa has also been ruled out of the Croatia fixture, although he is expected to return to full training ahead of Sunday’s meeting with Spain. Meanwhile, Djed Spence has emerged as a doubt after missing part of England’s preparations, leaving Tuchel with some important decisions to make regarding his defensive selection.

Burn is in contention to partner Bayer Leverkusen defender Jarell Quansah in the heart of England’s defence, with Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold and Newcastle teammate Lewis Hall also among the options for the back four.

The prospect of Burn starting alongside Hall would certainly provide an interesting Newcastle connection for England supporters, with the Magpies duo having established themselves as important members of Eddie Howe’s former defensive setup at St James’ Park.

For Burn, a starting appearance would represent another significant moment in an international career that has seen him earn 11 caps for the Three Lions.

The Blyth-born defender was part of England’s World Cup squad last summer, making two substitute appearances during the tournament. His experience, physical presence and ability to operate across different defensive positions could prove valuable for Tuchel, particularly with several established options unavailable.

Burn’s inclusion also comes after an impressive period of development at Newcastle United, where his leadership, defensive reliability and versatility have made him an important figure within the squad.

Standing at 6ft 7in, the defender offers England a different physical dimension at the back, particularly when dealing with aerial threats and defending set-piece situations.

Tonight’s opponents Croatia will provide a significant test, despite England’s recent dominance in this fixture. The Three Lions recorded an emphatic 7-0 victory when the sides last met in Rijeka, and will be looking to continue that impressive run at Wembley.

England currently sit second in their Nations League group and know that avoiding defeat against Croatia will be enough to secure their place in next year’s quarter-finals.

There is also history potentially waiting to be made tonight, with Harry Kane expected to feature and move beyond Peter Shilton’s record of 125 appearances to become England’s most-capped men’s international.

For Newcastle supporters, however, much of the attention will be on Burn and whether Tuchel decides to reward his late inclusion with a starting opportunity.

Having initially been overlooked, the experienced defender now has an unexpected opportunity to remind the England manager of what he can offer at international level.

With Guehi unavailable, Konsa missing out and Spence a doubt, Burn’s chances of starting have increased considerably.

A place in the starting eleven would be a deserved reward for the Newcastle defender and another proud moment for the North East.

Could Dan Burn start for England tonight? Newcastle supporters will certainly be hoping to see one of their own representing the Three Lions from the first whistle at Wembley.