Former Brighton star Dan Burn breaks record after England's World Cup win against Mexico

Dan Burn made history on his World Cup debut as he played his part in England’s 3-2 World Cup win over Mexico at the Estadio Azteca.

Burn - who made 85 appearances for Brighton before joining Newcastle in 2022 for around £13m - was brought on as a second-half substitute to help his 10-man side successfully hold on to their lead and book their place in the quarter-finals after Jarell Quansah had been sent off.

The 34-year-old came on in the 75th minute and made six clearances, more than any other player substituted into a World Cup game that late since records began in 1966.

Burn has had to bide his time to make his mark on this tournament, but delivered what he came to do.

Dan Burn: I’m here for a reason

“I knew that I was being brought here for a certain reason,” he said. “I probably wasn’t going to start but there was going to be opportunities in a game whether we’re trying to see a game out or maybe go for a goal that I was going to get.

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

“I’m very proud to play for England at a World Cup. I never, ever thought I would be saying that when I first started.

“I’m known for my height and the way I defend, that’s blocking shots, blocking crosses, I was really trying to grind it out. I just showed the character of the team.”

Burn was a giant at the back as England held on for dear life in a breathless encounter.

After kick-off was delayed by an hour due to thunderstorms, they withheld a strong Mexico start in a cauldron of noise to take a 2-0 lead thanks to two Jude Bellingham goals.

Julian Quinones got one back for the hosts before the break and then the tie swung in their favour when Quansah saw red for a reckless second-half challenge.

Harry Kane restored the two-goal advantage from the spot only for Raul Jimenez to respond with a penalty of his own, leaving England needing a strong rearguard performance.

Burn: I will never forget this

Burn was pleased to play his part in a “World Cup match that will go down in history”.

“I don’t think I’ll ever forget that night,” he said. “TBhe stadium, the occasion, playing against Mexico, listening to the national anthem with 100,000 people was surreal.

“A crazy game, so just really, really proud of the lads. We knew it was going to be a challenge, we were a little bit of the underdog, but we rose to the challenge.

“The atmosphere was crazy. The national anthem of Mexico, I think I was nearly deaf by the end of it. It was an amazing thing.”