Newcastle United’s Dan Burn in-line for England v Norway start after major injury scare

An injury to Marc Guehi, one that has him ruled at a 50/50 chance of starting against the Norwegians, could pave the way for Burn to start against Norway.

If that does happen, then the Newcastle United man will have the unenviable task of stopping Erling Haaland.

Haaland, who is no stranger to Burn or any England fan, has scored seven times so far this tournament, a tally beaten only by Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe.

The Manchester City striker has also scored in 14 consecutive appearances for his country - although he doesn’t enjoy a particularly good record against Burn at club level, netting just once in eight appearances.

That is the type of statistic that many England fans will cling onto when the two teams enter the Miami Stadium on Saturday (10pm kick-off UK time).

Burn, of course, made his maiden World Cup appearance during England’s dramatic win over Mexico, coming on as a second-half substitute to help the Three Lions see out the final stages and secure their passage to the final eight.

During a warrior-like performance, Burn made a number of blocks and headed everything that came his way, including a Raul Jimenez overhead kick - the video and photo of which has gone viral on social media during the past week.

That cameo impressed many and vindicated Thomas Tuchel’s decision to include the 34-year-old in his squad.

Despite being a regular in Three Lions squads under the German, his inclusion in the World Cup squad raised a few eyebrows among supporters after an underwhelming season with his club.

However, as the Blyth-born defender revealed post-match at the Azteca, he knew he always had a role to play in the team, despite the doubters: “I don’t know if we had planned for this scenario - but I knew that I was being brought here for a certain reason,” Burn told reporters.

“I wasn’t going to start but there would be opportunities in the game where we need to see a game out or go for a goal that I was going to get it.

“I have been desperate to get on the pitch, I didn’t want to leave the World Cup without getting on there.

“I am very proud to play for England at a World Cup, I never thought I’d be saying that.”

A win for England against Norway on Saturday would book them a spot in the World Cup semi-finals in Tuchel’s first major tournament as Three Lions manager.

Under his predecessor, Gareth Southgate, England reached the final four of the 2018 World Cup, eventually falling to Croatia in extra-time.

Two European Championship final appearances sandwiched a quarter-final defeat against France at the last World Cup in Qatar.

Argentina or Switzerland await England if they are able to overcome the challenge of Norway, Haaland et al in Miami.

France became the first country to book their place in the semi-finals with a 2-0 win over Morocco on Thursday night, with Spain or Belgium awaiting them in the final four.