Thomas Tuchel’s Humorous “Unprofessional” Jab at England Newcomer Dan Burn
An England player has revealed that new national team manager Thomas Tuchel playfully labeled him as ‘unprofessional’ shortly after informing him of his selection for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Albania and Latvia. The incident highlights Tuchel’s direct, yet potentially lighthearted, approach as he begins his tenure.
Dan Burn’s England Call-Up and Tuchel’s Bedtime Banter
Tuchel, the former Chelsea boss, officially took over as England head coach in January 2025, after being appointed in October 2024. While he is yet to manage his first game, anticipation is building for his debut on Friday, March 21st, when England faces Albania at Wembley Stadium. Three days later, they will again play at Wembley against Latvia in another World Cup qualifier.
Tuchel’s first squad announcement included some unexpected names, signaling a willingness to shake things up. Liverpool defender Jarell Quansah and Ajax midfielder Jordan Henderson were among the surprise selections, hinting at Tuchel’s eye for talent and experience. However, it was another unexpected call-up, Newcastle United defender Dan Burn, who shared a funny anecdote about his first interaction with the German manager.
- Surprise England Squad Selections:
- Jarell Quansah (Liverpool Defender)
- Jordan Henderson (Ajax Midfielder)
- Dan Burn (Newcastle United Defender) – *First International Call-up*
Burn, fresh from receiving his first-ever international call-up, recounted a humorous exchange with Tuchel. Speaking at a press conference, Burn explained the unusual circumstances surrounding his call-up: “The manager FaceTimed us on Tuesday and said that they were debating calling us (me) up, and would let us know on Thursday.”
Dan Burn in England training (Credit:Getty)
Burn continued, describing the anxious wait: “Then it got to six o’clock Thursday night, (I had) not heard anything so I said to my wife, ‘nothing’s going to happen’. But then, “I got a text saying ‘are you still awake’ at 10. I was like yes, straight away.”
It was after this late-night text that Tuchel delivered his playful rebuke. “First of all, he said I was very unprofessional for not being in bed for 10 o’clock, so I apologised for that,” Burn chuckled. It’s highly likely Tuchel’s comment was made in jest, a bit of German humor to break the ice and welcome the defender to the squad.
This call-up caps off an incredible week for Burn. Just days before receiving his England invitation, he scored the opening goal for Newcastle in their 2-1 Carabao Cup final victory against Liverpool, ending the club’s long 70-year wait for a major domestic trophy. His performances have clearly caught Tuchel’s eye.
Burn further shared Tuchel’s encouraging words: “He [Tuchel] just said he needed to end the day on a good note, that he wanted us to be in the squad, just to do what he felt my strengths were, which I explained when I spoke to him.” The Newcastle defender is clearly eager to contribute, stating he’s not in the squad to simply “be a cheerleader” and is determined to fight for his place and playing time.
What do you think about Tuchel’s surprise squad picks? Will Dan Burn be a valuable addition to the England team? Share your thoughts in the comments below!