Newcastle celebrations on hold for England new-boy Burn

AFP | London

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Dan Burn has cut short his celebrations of Newcastle’s historic League Cup triumph as the defender focuses on his first England call-up..

Burn headed Newcastle’s first-half opener in their stunning 2-1 win against Premier League leaders Liverpool in the League Cup final at Wembley on Sunday.

The 32-year- old’s goal helped Newcastle finally end their 56-year trophy drought, setting off wild celebrations at Wembley and back home on Tyneside.

It was the culmination of a remarkable week for Burn, who had received his maiden call-up into the England squad on Friday.

As a boyhood Newcastle fan born just a few miles from the city, Burn could have been forgiv en for wanting to make the most of the party that followed the Magpies’ long-awaited success.

But the centre-back knew he was due to report for England duty on Monday morning.

So he wisely opted against joining the alcohol-fuelled partying to keep him fresh ahead of Thomas Tuchel’s first game in charge of England in Friday’s World Cup qualifier against Albania at Wembley.

“It was strange. As soon as I left the stadium on Sunday my focus completely switched to this,” Burn said at England’s training base yesterday.

“I had my family and the kids and we ended up getting on the bus about 12 o’clock back to the hotel.

“It was getting a bit rowdy and I was just ready to go to sleep. There will be time to celebrate. I know the club’s put stuff out about there being a parade, so I think that’s when I’ll celebrate. “But I’ve waited a long time for this opportunity and didn’t want to spoil it.”

Burn, released by Newcastle’s academy at the age of 11, has enjoyed a late rise to prominence after labouring in obscurity for much of his career.