​England defender Jarell Quansah will miss Saturday’s World Cup quarter-final against Norway, and the potential semi-final if the Three Lions advance, after receiving a two-game ban from FIFA. Quansah was sent off with a straight red card against Mexico in the last 16, but only following a VAR review. His ban confines him to the stands for this weekend and, should Gareth Southgate’s side progress, for the next match as well, creating another selection headache for England’s manager.
The absence of the Bayer Leverkusen centre-back further complicates Thomas Tuchel’s choices at right-back. Chelsea captain Reece James has been sidelined for the last three games due to a hamstring injury and remains the only natural right-back in Tuchel’s squad. Djed Spence and Quansah have filled in at right-back in his absence, but both have looked short of their best form. James’s status for the quarter-finals remains uncertain after he missed training on Wednesday.
Ezri Konsa was forced to slot in at right-back for the final half-hour of England’s stubborn victory in Mexico and could potentially start there again, with John Stones moving into central defence. The Football Association is reportedly weighing options to appeal Quansah’s suspension, especially in light of a controversial FIFA decision to suspend USA forward Folarin Balogun’s ban. Balogun was cleared to play in the U.S. 4-1 defeat to Belgium after an intervention prompted by a call from U.S. President Donald Trump to FIFA.
“Where does this start and where does this end now? Can we overturn it or not overturn it? What’s going on?” Tuchel asked after England’s victory in Mexico City, highlighting the broader frustration around such rulings. “Where to draw the line is the question that I ask?” The developments add another layer of speculation as England prepare for the next phase of the tournament, with the FA reportedly considering every option in their bid to keep the squad competitive and cohesive.