Newcastle United’s Dan Burn has been called up to the England squad for the first time by Thomas Tuchel, but many fans might not be aware that the defender is missing a finger on his right hand.
Burn has followed an unconventional path to international recognition. Having never previously represented England at any level, the 32-year-old once worked at Asda and spent a significant portion of his career playing in the lower leagues before joining Brighton in 2018 and later making a £13 million move to Newcastle United in 2022.
The 6ft 7 center-back has been a consistent performer for Eddie Howe’s team, with the boyhood Newcastle fan hoping to cap off a memorable week by winning silverware in the Carabao Cup final against Liverpool.
The Shocking Childhood Accident
What many fans notice when cameras focus on Burn during matches is that he is missing the ring finger on his right hand. According to reports, this resulted from a traumatic childhood incident when he was just 13 years old.
The young Burn was climbing a fence while wearing a ring when the jewelry caught on a spike. The accident completely severed the third finger on his right hand, leaving him with nine fingers for the remainder of his life.
While Burn has never publicly discussed this incident in interviews, his missing finger became a lighthearted moment during Newcastle’s pre-season tour in Germany. At the Adidas headquarters, teammates Sean Longstaff and Harvey Barnes couldn’t contain their amusement when Burn put on gloves with an empty finger slot.
Despite this physical difference, Burn has proven that it poses no disadvantage to his football career. His consistent performances and leadership qualities have now earned him international recognition at the age of 32.
Tuchel’s Reasoning Behind Burn’s Selection
Thomas Tuchel explained his decision to include Burn in his first England squad:
"He has had a very impressive career and he’s a very solid player," Tuchel said in a press conference. "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."
The Newcastle defender joins teammates Anthony Gordon and Tino Livramento in the 26-man squad, making it a notable representation for the North East club on the international stage.
Burn’s journey from supermarket employee to England international showcases his determination and resilience. His professional trajectory serves as inspiration for late-blooming players who may feel international recognition is beyond their reach.
Want to learn more about incredible football journeys? Follow our coverage of Premier League players’ unique stories and backgrounds as they represent their countries at the highest level.