Thomas Tuchel jokingly called Dan Burn “unprofessional” when he called up the Newcastle United defender to his first England squad.
The 32-year-old linked up with the national team for the first time in his career this week, immediately after playing a key role in the Magpies’ win over Liverpool in the League Cup final on Sunday.
Tuchel phoned Burn at 10pm last Thursday while the 6ft 7″ centre-back was in bed, to inform him he would be in the squad for the World Cup qualifiers against Albania and Latvia.
Thomas Tuchel called Dan Burn ‘unprofessional’ upon England call-up
“I’d definitely say I’ve had worse weeks,” he said during Tuesday’s press conference. “The manager ‘Facetimes’ us on Tuesday, he said they were debating whether they were calling us up.
“Six o’clock Thursday night I had not heard anything then I got a text at 10pm. I got a Facetime call and I did struggle to sleep.
“He said first of all not professional being in bed for 10pm. So, I apologised for that.
“Then he said he has been ringing everyone that had not made the squad. He said he needed to end the day on a good note.”
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After missing out on the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, Burn believes he possesses the ability to contribute to the England national team as they bid for their first win at a major tournament since 1966.
“I feel like I’m a leader on and off the pitch,” he said. “I fit into that role. It is going to be tough coming with all the international players, but that’s how I feel I can best help the team.
“It was strange, as soon as I left [Wembley] stadium, it switched to this.
“We got the bus back at 12 o’clock. It was getting rowdy and I was ready to go back to bed.
“I’ve got the ability to play international level. I want to make the most of it and try get on the pitch as much as possible.”
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