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FIFA has handed former Liverpool defender Jarell Quansah a two-match suspension following his red card against Mexico.
Earlier this week, it was reported that the Football Association was considering an appeal to FIFA in an attempt to overturn the ban, following the governing body’s controversial decision to suspend Folarin Balogun’s automatic suspension after the USA striker was sent off.
Under FIFA regulations, players and officials can receive a minimum two-match suspension for “serious foul play”. A statement on Thursday confirmed that, “The FIFA Disciplinary Committee has imposed […] a 2-match suspension for a breach of article 14 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code.”
Quansah was dismissed during England’s dramatic 3-2 victory over Mexico at the Azteca Stadium and will now miss the quarter-final clash against Norway, as well as a potential semi-final should the Three Lions progress.
The suspension adds to Thomas Tuchel’s growing concerns over his options at right-back. England had already lost Tino Livramento to injury before the tournament began, while Reece James suffered an injury after the competition had started.
James, Marc Guehi and Declan Rice all missed training on Thursday as they followed individual recovery programmes after England’s win over Mexico.
Chelsea defender James has sat out the last two matches due to a hamstring injury but is expected to be available for a return soon. Rice is also managing a lower back issue, which he played through during the 3-2 victory over Mexico.
Guehi, meanwhile, has started every match except England’s opening game against Croatia and was left out of the session as a precaution.
Aside from those concerns, Thomas Tuchel has a fully fit squad to choose from ahead of the quarter-final clash with Norway. However, the England boss is unlikely to make major changes after the team’s strong performances in North America.
Over the course of five matches, James, Djed Spence, Ezri Konsa, John Stones, Jarell Quansah and midfielder Declan Rice have all featured as right-sided defenders at different stages.
England’s options in that position were already affected before the tournament, with Livramento ruled out after suffering a calf injury during the build-up.
Konsa and Spence remain available options for Thomas Tuchel, but the expected return of James will provide a major boost.
The Chelsea captain is regarded as England’s first-choice right-back when fully fit and could now be ready to reclaim his place in the knockout stages.