Dan Burn recently told the press of his amazing journey from playing football for fun as a young boy in Blyth to reaching every footballer’s dream, representing his or her country at the World Cup.

He revealed movingly that his original motivation was to bond with his football-loving father, but his early drive to make his father proud led to him making us all proud as he portrays the best of Blyth – and England – on the world stage.

Dan, born in Blyth 34 years ago, did not have an easy path to the top of his sport. He did not slot smoothly into a Premier League team straight from its academy.

Having faced the blow of being released at 11 from Newcastle, the team he and his father supported, he climbed his way to the top through tenacity and commitment.

Via Blyth Spartans’ youth team and League Two Darlington, he finally succeeded in his dream of playing for his team Newcastle United in 2022, with stops including Yeovil, Fulham, Wigan and others along the way.

He is a St James’ Park hero – few fans will ever forget his opening goal at Wembley in 2025 that resulted in Newcastle’s historic Carabao Cup victory.

Moreover, his spirited performances for Newcastle United in the Premier League and Champions League eventually led him to being capped by England for the first time in 2025.

Some pundits questioned England coach Thomas Tuchel’s selection of Dan for this year’s World Cup squad, but we in Northumberland can be certain that he will do his utmost to make us and all of England happy.

Dan Burn of Newcastle United celebrates scoring his team's first goal during the Carabao Cup Final against Liverpool at Wembley Stadium last year. Picture by Stu Forster/Getty Images.

He may not have played in England’s first two games, but his appearances before the world’s press have shown warmth, wisdom and humour that have made him a joy to watch.

Tuchel, obviously, can spot greatness on and off the pitch.

Whatever the eventual outcome for England, in Dan the world has seen us at our best.

Residents in the Blyth and Ashington constituency can contact my office by calling 01670 852494 or emailing [email protected] and there are also plenty of updates that are posted on my Facebook page (Ian Lavery MP).