By Opta Analyst | Created at 2025-03-20 19:17:13 | Updated at 2025-04-04 22:27:50
2 weeks ago
Thomas Tuchel has called up 32-year-old Dan Burn in his first England squad, with the Newcastle defender in line to be one of the oldest players to make his England debut. But where would he rank all time in the oldest players to win their first cap?
It’s been quite a week for Dan Burn. Last Friday, he received his first-ever call-up to the England national team. Just 48 hours later, the Newcastle United defender scored at Wembley in the League Cup final, collecting both a winners’ medal and the Man of the Match award in the process.
Given his age — Burn turns 33 in May — his inclusion in the England squad by new manager Thomas Tuchel raised a few eyebrows. After all, he isn’t exactly a long-term option. But then again, Tuchel’s own tenure may not be either. The German coach has signed an 18-month contract, with the clear aim of preparing the team for the 2026 World Cup.
Tuchel has already shown a willingness to lean on experience. His first squad included Jordan Henderson and Kyle Walker, both aged 34 and vastly experienced at international level. But for Burn, this will be his first taste of senior international football.
If Burn makes his debut in the upcoming fixture against Albania, he will do so at the age of 32 years and 316 days old, making him one of the oldest England debutants in the modern era. In fact, he would be the oldest player to debut for the Three Lions since Kevin Davies made his solitary England appearance against Montenegro in 2010 at the age of 33 years and 200 days.
Burn and Davies are among the three oldest England debutants in the post-war era, though Burn still falls some way short of the all-time record.
Who Is the Oldest Player to Make Their England Debut?
Alexander Morten is the oldest player to make their England debut. The Crystal Palace goalkeeper made his one and only appearance for his country at the age of 41 years and 113 days. He featured in England’s second-ever international match, captaining the team in a 4-2 defeat to Scotland in March 1873.
The record for the oldest outfield debutant belongs to Leslie Compton, who earned his first England cap at 38 years and 64 days when he played against Wales in 1950.
While late-career England call-ups are rare in the modern era, they were far more common in the early decades of international football — as shown by the fact that most of the top 20 oldest debutants earned their first caps in the early 20th century.
Oldest England Debutants of All Time
Burn’s call-up is a rare nod to a player approaching the twilight of his career.
As England’s new era under Tuchel begins, he’s shown he’s not afraid of turning to experience, even if it might be unpopular. And if Burn steps onto the pitch, he’ll be writing his own small chapter in England’s international history.
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