England have been dealt a major blow after defender Jarell Quansah was handed a two-match ban, ruling him out of the FIFA World Cup 2026 quarter-final against Norway.
Quansah, 23, was shown a straight red card during the Three Lions’ Round of 16 victory over Mexico after a VAR review.
The blow adds to England’s problems, with Thomas Tuchel’s side already facing several injury concerns. Right-back Reece James has missed the last three fixtures with a hamstring injury and is the only natural right-back in Tuchel’s squad.
James remains a doubt for the quarter-final after missing training on Wednesday.
Ezri Konsa was forced to switch to right-back for the final half hour of England’s dogged display to win in Mexico and could start there with John Stones coming into central defence.
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The English Football Association has reportedly been exploring options to appeal Quansah’s suspension after USA striker Folarin Balogun’s ban was controversially suspended by FIFA.
Balogun was cleared to play in the States’ 4-1 defeat to Belgium following a call by US President Donald Trump to football’s global governing body.
“Where does this start and where does this end now? Can we overturn it or not overturn it? What’s going on?” Tuchel said after victory in Mexico City.
“Where to draw the line is the question that I ask?”
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