At a glance
- Five Newcastle stars included in Tuchel’s squad
- Dan Burn’s England aspirations
- Magpies could be represented at the World Cup
Five Newcastle players have been selected for the English National team ahead of their games against Uruguay and Japan as they prepare for the World Cup. Lewis Hall, Anthony Gordon, Tino Livramento, Aaron Ramsdale and Dan Burn have all been picked by Thomas Tuchel.
With the Three Lions’ issues at fullback, both Hall and Livramento may find their way into the starting XI in these friendlies, which could give them a strong chance of starting in the summer in North America.
The Magpies manager, Eddie Howe, will be hoping these extra games don’t put any extra stress on their bodies, as they aim to end the season without any significant injuries.
World Cup preparation begins
The friendlies in March are the final set of friendlies during the Premier League season, before the World Cup. Before the squad selection, Burn spoke about the chance to play in the World Cup, claiming it’s something he desires.
“I’m desperate to be there, and I want to be there. I feel like what I’m doing at the moment is taking us on that course.”
The Geordie defender continued.
“I want to be there. If I don’t get this chance, it’s not going to happen.”
The 33-year-old has been a regular for Howe’s side this year, playing at centre back and left back. Given his age, this will likely be his last chance to represent England on the big stage.
It’s to be seen whether the German manager considers playing Burn off the left or through the middle, as England have many talented centre halves included in this international break.
On the left, this is a real chance for Hall to make a statement ahead of the summer’s tournament, as he has become a key player for the Tynesiders this season.
Nico O’Reilly and Djed Spence are the 21-year-olds competing in the current squad, but it’s a great opportunity for Hall to lay down a marker in the Three Lions’ squad.
Newcastle at the World Cup
Over the years, the Magpies have had a handful of players represent England at the World Cup. Nick Pope, Callum Wilson and Kieran Trippier were called up for the 2022 tournament in Qatar.
This millennium, the only other players from the St James’ Park outfit to represent England were Kieron Dyer in 2002, who played three times from the bench. Michael Owen also featured in the 2006 World Cup in Germany.
This is a great chance for the Magpies to have five English players on show at the biggest football tournament in the world. If that were the case, it would be a record for the club.
Hall seems like a guarantee, while Livramento should at minimum be in the squad, with injuries and form affecting the right back position.
Burn and Gordon have both shown quality in Black and White this year, and if they impress Tuchel during this break, they have a great chance of being on the plane.
Ramsdale is in the biggest battle. Jordan Pickford has been England’s No 1 for a long time, and that seems to continue. They took three keepers to Qatar.
The 27-year-old has performed well for the Magpies since taking over from Nick Pope. He arguably has the toughest path of any to make the squad, given that only three goalkeepers will be taken.
