Jarell Quansah will not feature in England's World Cup quarter-final against Norway on Saturday due to a two-match suspension handed down by FIFA. The Bayer Leverkusen defender was sent off during England's 3-2 victory over Mexico in the round of 16 after a VAR review deemed his studs-up tackle on Jesus Gallardo reckless. The English Football Association explored an appeal but was unsuccessful, meaning Quansah will also miss the semi-final if England progress.
Red card and suspension details
Quansah received a straight red card in the 54th minute of the Mexico match following a VAR check. FIFA subsequently imposed a two-match ban. According to reports, the FA considered challenging the severity of the punishment but ultimately decided not to proceed. As a result, Quansah will only be available again if England reach the final.
England's right-back crisis
Quansah's absence compounds England's problems at right-back, as Chelsea captain Reece James is struggling with a hamstring injury sustained during the group-stage match against Ghana. James missed team training on Wednesday, and medical staff have advised against starting him even if he is fit enough for the squad. This leaves Thomas Tuchel with limited options on the right side of defence.
Djed Spence is the most likely starter at right-back, having recovered from his own fitness issue. Although Spence has struggled in previous deputising appearances, he is expected to join Ezri Konsa, Marc Guehi and Nico O'Reilly in the backline. Jordan Pickford will make history by playing in his 18th World Cup match for England, surpassing Peter Shilton's record for the most World Cup appearances by an Englishman.
Other team news
Guehi and Declan Rice were absent from Wednesday's training but only as a precaution; both are expected to start. Jordan Henderson is out for the tournament after wrist surgery following a freak injury while celebrating the Mexico win. Harry Kane needs one more goal to break Gary Lineker's record for most England goals in a single World Cup, currently at six.
