“I’m hoping he can start and keep Haaland out” – Chris Dobey takes Dan Burn inspiration into World Matchplay glory bid

Chris Dobey heads to the 2026 World Matchplay chasing another major breakthrough, with the former Masters champion taking inspiration from a fellow North East sporting figure before Blackpool.

The Bedlington ace has praised Newcastle United defender Dan Burn after his role in England’s dramatic World Cup win over Mexico at the Azteca Stadium. With Norway and Erling Haaland now waiting in the quarter-finals, Dobey hopes Burn is trusted again on one of football’s biggest stages.

“He’s a great lad and being a fellow Geordie from the North East,” Dobey said. “We see that week-in, week-out on the football pitch. It’s great that he’s getting a chance in the England squad so later on in his career."

“He deserved it and every game I’ve watched him play for England he’s been magnificent. I’m hoping he can start and to come up against Haaland and keep him out of the game.”

A proud Newcastle supporter, Dobey has followed Burn’s rise from club favourite to England contributor with obvious pride, and the defender’s latest World Cup display clearly left an impression.

Burn’s physical presence was again on show against Mexico, and Dobey could not resist pointing to some of the moments that have already made him a hero at St James’ Park. “That was great wasn’t it,” he laughed, when asked about Burn’s huge headed clearance during England’s win over Mexico. “Honestly what he does on a pitch, he uses his head well as well."

“He scored a couple of memorable goals for Newcastle. Obviously the Cup final goal against Liverpool which I’ve now got gladly tattooed on my leg," Dobey added. “His goal in the Champions League, it looked like it bent but what a player he is. I’m just hoping he gets another chance to show what he is capable of.”

There was still Dobey’s own preparation to consider. With England’s knockout clash coming before the Players Championship action in Leicester, the 36-year-old admitted he had to balance following the football with keeping himself ready for the oche.

“I went to sleep before the Brazil game hoping that I’d wake up for the England game,” he said. “I woke up 20 minutes into it and I saw the two England goals."

“Fell back asleep at half-time. Woke up as Harry Kane was celebrating his goal. I just went to sleep. I tried to stay focused and prepare for my match as well. I’ve got to be professional.”

The timing adds a neat twist to Dobey’s own build-up. A former Masters champion and now established among the seeded names for the World Matchplay, he goes to the Winter Gardens looking to turn strong form and major-stage experience into another defining title.

Dobey has already shown he can win at the highest level, but the World Matchplay remains one of the sport’s most prized titles. The Winter Gardens stage has long been a defining test for players chasing major status, and Dobey believes his game is in a place where another big breakthrough is possible.

“I’m happy with my all-round game,” he said. “It’s just a matter of time before I get that next win and fingers crossed it could be the big one in Blackpool.”

Burn has Norway and Haaland next. Dobey’s own stage is Blackpool, where one of darts’ most consistent threats will try to turn another strong season into the biggest week of his career.