Burn reveals Haaland record that could make him England's secret weapon in World Cup quarter-final

Dan Burn’s remarkable record against Erling Haaland — one goal conceded in 10 Premier League meetings — has emerged as a talking point ahead of England’s World Cup quarter-final against Norway in Miami on Saturday.

The 34-year-old Newcastle centre-back, who stands two inches taller than Haaland at 6ft 7in, admits he relishes the physical contest with the Manchester City striker and says he would be ready to take on the role of containing him if called upon by England’s coaching staff.

“I do enjoy playing against Erling, purely just from a physical point of view,” Burn said. “I quite like that sort of physical battle and I get on well with him on the pitch. We do get on quite well, although you’d have to ask him if he thinks the same thing. But yeah, if I’m asked to do that, I’d be more than ready and more than happy to do that.”

Burn was careful not to overstate his own claims on a starting place, acknowledging the competition around him. “I also know that we’ve got four other centre-halves who are also top quality players and have played this whole tournament because of that too.”

The defender came off the bench in Sunday’s historic win over co-hosts Mexico at the Azteca Stadium, making eight defensive contributions including two headed clearances that reached the halfway line. He played down the significance of the moment, framing it as a matter of experience rather than occasion.

“I think it’s different when you’re 34 and have played over 500 games,” he said. “So it’s really just the same game, just a different level. I wasn’t nervous coming on. I knew what I was coming on to do and just wanted to get on and help the lads.”

For Burn, only one moment in his career rivals the win over Mexico — Newcastle’s League Cup final victory that ended the club’s 70-year trophy drought. “I’m a Geordie and it was so long since we won something, so that was such a huge thing for Newcastle,” he said, placing both achievements in his personal top two.

Having grown up dreaming of a World Cup that once felt out of reach, Burn is determined not to let the quarter-final be the end of the journey. “It’s nice to say no one could take that away from us now. I’ve played at the World Cup, so it’s special, but I want more. I’d love to do it all.”