Most fans would be disappointed at working at 8am the day after their beloved club had won a first trophy in 56 years – but most fans aren’t Dan Burn.
Two days after his first England call-up, the 32-year-old boyhood Newcastle supporter scored the opening goal as the Magpies beat Liverpool 2-1 at Wembley to win the Carabao Cup.
He was central to their celebrations.
Magpies boss Eddie Howe came into the news conference room afterwards reeking of beer, saying he had been soaked by Joelinton and the other Magpies players.
But talk soon turned to Burn, the local lad from Blyth, who was 29 before he joined his boyhood club. He will report for England duty on Monday morning for the first time in his career.
The defender’s thumping header from Kieran Trippier’s corner – from about 12 yards out – to give his side the lead just before half-time was fantastic.
It was Newcastle’s first cup final goal since 1976. Their second would come in the second half through Alexander Isak, before Federico Chiesa netted a consolation late on for Liverpool.
“What a few days for Dan,” said Howe. “His performance today was colossal at the back.
“We were working on those corners tirelessly for two weeks. He’s delivered one from long range. Incredible header. So fitting it’s him.”
Burn told Sky Sports: “I’ve had worse weeks. I don’t want to go to sleep because I feel like I’m dreaming and it’s all going to be a lie.
“I don’t get many so I saved it for a big occasion. I feel strange, I feel numb at the minute.”
He added: “I’ll be first there tomorrow [at England training] at 8 o’clock.”
Liverpool boss Arne Slot was asked afterwards why 6ft 7in Burn had been left so free – and his answer was enlightening.
“We have five players zonally close to our goal,” he said. “If the ball comes there we have our five strongest players to attack the ball.
“Normally a player runs to the zone. Normally, and I think he’s an exception, I’ve never seen in my life a player from that far away heading a ball with so much force into the far corner. Ninety-nine out of 100 times that will not lead to a goal.
“Credit to him, he’s one of the few players that can score a goal from that distance with his head.”
