'Painful' - Newcastle United player creates England history as Thomas Tuchel fires back
Newcastle United star Dan Burn made three appearances at the World Cup and picked up a bronze medal.
Dan Burn scooped a bronze medal at the World Cup after helping England to third place.
The Three Lions beat France in a 6-4 thriller to decide a game that neither side wanted to play. Newcastle United star Burn was an unused substitute but contributed in England’s run to the semi-final.
He became a national cult hero for his inspired defending in the 3-2 win over Mexico. Thomas Tuchel also called on Burn in the quarter-final against Norway and crushing semi-final defeat to Argentina.
The Gazette has launched a WhatsApp NUFC channel to bring the latest news, analysis and team & injury updates directly to your phone. Simply click this link to join our NUFC WhatsApp channel.
Thomas Tuchel reacts to negativity
Much of the negativity following the Argentina loss has centred around Tuchel’s tactics. England dropped deep after taking a lead through Anthony Gordon on 55 minutes.
A spicy pre-match press conference saw an emotional Tuchel snap back at reporters for questioning his decisions. After beating France in the third-place play-off, the German has called for perspective.
“The press conference yesterday felt as if we went out in the group stage without a win, to be very honest,” Tuchel said. “And 24 hours later we have the biggest success in 60 years. My decisions, my interventions, my substitutions, the change of structure did not have the effect that I wanted to so I have to live with this.
“This is very painful for me because I did it in good faith and I did it with a clear plan and a clear idea behind it. It didn’t work out.”
What Dan Burn said after Argentina
Burn opened up about his heartbreak moments after the Argentina setback. The 34-year-old returns to Tyneside having helped England achieve their best World Cup result since 1966.
"When you come within 10 or 15 minutes of a World Cup final and then don't get it done, it hurts,” Burn said. "I thought we'd nailed the game plan up until we scored. We knew what Argentina were going to do and I thought we dealt with it pretty well.
"But we got a little bit passive after the goal and defended a little bit too deep and with the quality of chances Argentina were creating, it felt like a matter of time. We conceded too many crosses and too many chances and it's hard because in the previous games we've defended those so well.
"So to get that close and not do it, it's very sad. I'm very gutted right now, but I’m very proud of what the team's done. I don’t think anyone gave us a chance coming into this. That brotherhood that was spoken about took us a long way and if I'm being completely honest, I thought we were going to do it.
“I had the feeling that this was our time, but I think Argentina showed why they're the world champions. They've been there and they've done it and that's seen them through. When you get to this level, it's very, very fine margins and they've taken their chances.”
Your next Newcastle United: Newcastle United want to sign top target who has already agreed to join & 25y/o offered