talkSPORT’s football correspondent Alex Crook believes that Newcastle United’s Dan Burn is an outside shout for a place in England’s World Cup squad.
Gareth Southgate is set to announce his panel for Qatar in the coming week but it will be far from straightforward for the manager.
He has been left with a headache too following injuries to Kyle Walker and Reece James on the right-hand side of his defence.
However, a setback on the left may open the door for Burn.
Chelsea star Ben Chilwell pulled up with a hamstring injury on Wednesday night and left Stamford Bridge on crutches which is likely to rule him out for the showpiece
Speaking on the talkSPORT GameDay podcast Crook has now said:
(53:20) “Talking about left-sided players for England obviously with Chilwell being sidelined.
“Surely Dan Burn has got to be part of the conversation.
“He’s got that versatility, tremendous character in the dressing room as well.
“I think Gareth Southgate will be taking a close look at him.”
TIF Thoughts on Crook’s comments…
Should Dan Burn go to the World Cup?
Yes!
No!
Burn has certainly been in impressive form for the Magpies this season and indeed since his arrival back in January.
He has helped form part of the Premier League’s meanest defence that have conceded just ten goals in 13 games.
After keeping the commanding Sven Botman out of the side, the 30-year-old has been moved out to left-back under Eddie Howe.
The uncapped England international is also familiar with the wing-back system that Southgate likes to operate in following his days at Brighton.
But whether that lack of experience with the Three Lions proves to be his undoing remains to be seen although he certainly has proved his worth on Tyneside this term and deserves to be in contention.