The Football Association (FA) is evaluating whether to appeal to FIFA against the red card shown to England right-back Jarell Quansah during the World Cup round of 16 match against Mexico. Standard Sport understands that the FA is weighing up its options regarding the sending-off and subsequent suspension.
Quansah's Dismissal and Its Impact
Quansah, a Bayer Leverkusen defender, was sent off in the 54th minute of England's 3-2 victory at the Estadio Azteca. The tackle on Jesus Gallardo was reviewed by VAR and deemed a red card because Quansah followed through with studs up, despite initially winning the ball. As a result, Quansah is suspended and will miss Saturday's World Cup quarter-final against Norway in Miami, exacerbating the right-back crisis for England head coach Thomas Tuchel.
Tuchel expressed fury at the decision, stating, "It's just not good enough. The referees are just not good enough, fourth officials are just not good enough. That's the bottom line. Is this a clear and obvious error for the penalty? For sure not."
Options to Replace Quansah
Reece James is a potential replacement at right-back, but his fitness is uncertain after missing three matches with a hamstring problem. Djed Spence, who made a positive cameo against Mexico, has not impressed Tuchel in previous performances.
Precedent for Suspension Appeal
A precedent for overturning suspensions exists in this tournament. United States striker Folarin Balogun saw his one-match ban suspended after a phone call from Donald Trump to FIFA president Gianni Infantino requested a review. Balogun's ban was suspended for 12 months, making him available for the US last-16 match against Belgium.
