Newcastle United star left out of England World Cup squad

Three Newcastle United players have been named in Gareth Southgate’s World Cup squad - but one is unlucky to miss out.
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In-form Newcastle United star Dan Burn has been overlooked by Gareth Southgate for his England World Cup squad. Although there was only ever an outside chance he would be included, the Blyth-born defender had become part of the conversation in recent months.

The 30-year-old has been one of the Premier League’s most in-form defenders since joining from Brighton and Hove Albion in January. Burn was pivotal in United’s successful battle against relegation last season - partnering Fabian Schar at the back - before switching to left-back this campaign.

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With a number of English defenders picking up injuries ahead of the World Cup, and many out-of-form as well, Burn was talked up as a potential option. However, Southgate has opted not to select him. Burn recently told the i Paper: “It’s not something I’m holding my breath over.

“If we go off form I don’t think there’s many defenders playing much better than I am at the minute. Purely for my experience, my age and how many positions I can play I’d like to think I’m in with a shout but as I said it’s not like when the squad comes out and I’m not in it I’ll be crying at home.

Newcastle United defender Dan Burn. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)Newcastle United defender Dan Burn. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)
Newcastle United defender Dan Burn. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)

“There’s a lot of good, good players – especially defenders – who aren’t being mentioned in the squad. It’s a tough decision for Southgate to make, whatever decision he makes I’m sure it’ll be alright.”

While Burn has been left behind, his Newcastle teammates Kieran Trippier, Nick Pope and Callum Wilson are on the plane. The inclusion of the former two was a certainty, Wilson, however, has been rewarded for his strong start to the campaign after scoring six goals in his opening 10 matches.

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The former Bournemouth man made it his goal to go to the Qatar World Cup and as a result, earn his first Three Lions’ call-up since 2019.

“I’ve achieved a lot given where I started in my career, but this is the ultimate; this is the final leap and the pinnacle of what you can achieve, playing for your country at a World Cup,” Wilson told the Daily Telegraph.

‘It’s the biggest thing you can get. It would be unreal. I’m 30, there isn’t going to be another opportunity. I’m not stupid, I know I’ll be 34 by the time the next one comes around – this is it, this is the moment.”