Harrowing way England defender Dan Burn lost his finger
Dan Burn has been a mainstay in the England squad since Thomas Tuchel took charge from Gareth Southgate in 2025.
Since making his debut in March last year at the age of 32, Newcastle United hero Burn has picked up eight caps and his dreams came true when he was selected in the 26-man Three Lions squad for this summer's World Cup in the USA, Mexico and Canada.
Though he didn't come off the bench in the thrilling 4-2 opening victory over Croatia, Burn will be hoping to go one step further and play in the World Cup for the first time in the remaining Group L fixtures against Ghana (today, 23 June) and Panama – and maybe even beyond into the knockout stages.
If Burn does make an appearance in the games, or is spotted during the pre-match handshake, eagle-eyed fans may spot that the towering Geordie has a finger missing on one of his hands, stemming from an accident he suffered as a teen.
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How Dan Burn lost his finger
Whenever Burn is spotted in action, be it for England or boyhood club Newcastle, questions are always asked as to how he lost a finger on his right hand.
Burn was wearing a ring on his ring finger when he was climbing over a fence at the age of 13. As he made his way over, it got caught on a spike and his finger was then torn off his hand as he jumped down.
Speaking to Sky Sports, Burn explained the incident in his own words.
"13, yes," he clarified when asked if that's when the injury occurred.
"So I'd been out with some friends, and I was showing off in front of a group of girls. I think a rabbit had got out and got into a community centre little bit.
"So I jumped the fence, not knowing there was a gate around the corner, and I was wearing a ring, it was a ring I was given off my grandad, so it was made of an old shilling, sort of solid.
"Then the spike got caught in the ring, and when I jumped off, it ripped me."
Burn then shared his initial reaction after discovering the consequences of his 'showing off.'
"I couldn't see," he continued. "I was wearing like a waterproof. My hand went numb, so I thought I'd broken my arm or something.
"Then I lifted the jacket off, and it was like, wow, that's not right."
Though Burn has grown used to the missing digit and has gone on to enjoy a fantastic football career, winning the Carabao Cup with Newcastle in 2025, he did initially have some problems with his lack of fingers.
Particularly when visiting McDonald's.
"I remember when I first started going out with my girlfriend, you used to use cash and money.
So we used to go to McDonald's, you go through the drive-thru, hand over your money and when they give it back, I put my hand out, you put the coins there, the coins would fall between the gap of the car and the window.
"I'd open the door but I couldn't get the money back, so I would just have to leave it and just drive off.
"So contactless was the best thing that ever happened to me."
Daniel Murphy