Marc Guehi ruled out of England squad as Dan Burn earns recall for Croatia, Spain tests

Newcastle United defender Dan Burn has been called up to the England squad as a replacement for Marc Guehi, who has withdrawn through injury ahead of the Three Lions’ Nations League fixtures against Croatia and Spain.

Burn has earned a return to Thomas Tuchel’s squad after Guehi was ruled out with a hip problem sustained during Manchester City’s defeat to Nottingham Forest.

The City defender was forced off at half-time and subsequently underwent scans to assess the extent of the injury, ruling him out of England’s upcoming international assignments.

His withdrawal has opened the door for Burn, who was part of England’s squad at the 2026 FIFA World Cup but missed the last two international selections.

The Newcastle centre-back’s inclusion represents a welcome return to the international setup after falling out of Tuchel’s plans in recent months.

England’s remaining squad members are expected to report to Tottenham Hotspur’s training ground on Monday as preparations begin for the Nations League double-header.

Burn gets another opportunity to impress Tuchel

Burn’s recall comes after Tuchel indicated that the defender remained under consideration despite his absence from England’s previous two squads.

The England manager had previously explained that the national team was looking to introduce younger players as preparations gradually shift towards the 2028 European Championship.

However, Burn’s experience and previous contributions have kept him in contention for international selection.

The 34-year-old was an important member of England’s World Cup squad, and Guehi’s injury has now provided another opportunity for him to demonstrate his value to the national team.

His return also gives Tuchel another defensive option as England prepare for two demanding fixtures against Croatia and Spain.

The Three Lions will be hoping to use the matches to assess their squad depth while continuing their preparations for future international competitions.

Pickford retains No.1 status despite Trafford competition

Meanwhile, Tuchel has reaffirmed Jordan Pickford’s position as England’s first-choice goalkeeper but admitted that James Trafford is increasingly challenging for the role.

The Manchester City goalkeeper has benefited from regular playing opportunities at club level, something Tuchel believes is important in strengthening competition for the national team’s goalkeeping position.

Trafford and Pickford shared goalkeeping responsibilities during the previous international break, and the England manager has not ruled out repeating that arrangement against Croatia and Spain.

Tuchel insists Pickford remains ahead in the pecking order but believes Trafford’s development deserves recognition.

“No, he is,” Tuchel said when asked whether Pickford remained his first-choice goalkeeper.

“But nothing has changed. The competition is on there as well. Like for the outfield players. And Traff gets regular starts now, that’s what we wanted.

“James Trafford did well. They shared the matches last time. I’m not sure what we will do. There’s an opportunity that we maybe do this again.”

Tuchel explains decision to test Trafford against Spain

The England manager also defended his decision to give Trafford the opportunity to face Spain during the previous international break, acknowledging that testing the goalkeeper in high-pressure fixtures was necessary.

Tuchel believes Nations League matches provide an appropriate platform to assess alternative goalkeeping options rather than waiting until an emergency arises.

He explained that England must be prepared for situations where Pickford is unavailable, making it important to expose his potential replacements to demanding international assignments.

“I have to speak with our goalkeeper coach. But the goalkeepers, they are a bit of an unit for themselves, and rightly so.

“Yes it’s slightly different, but when do I have a chance to see another goalkeeper, if not in Nations League? If not in high pressure matches?”

Tuchel added that he had considered whether it was fair to expose Trafford to the challenge of facing Spain but ultimately believed such experiences would benefit both the player and the national team.

“So we had James against Spain, we asked ourselves is this fair for James Trafford to straightaway go against Spain, but I think it’s exactly what we need.

“Because what happens if Jordan Pickford is injured? What happens if he’s not available? So it’s better to test it.”

With Burn back in the squad and competition intensifying in goal, Tuchel will have further opportunities to assess his options as England continue building towards their next major international challenge.