England's Jarell Quansah leaves the field after receiving a red card during the World Cup round of 16 soccer match between Mexico and England.Ricardo Mazalan/The Associated Press
England defender Jarell Quansah was handed a two-match suspension on Thursday for his red card offence against Mexico in the World Cup round of 16.
That means Quansah will miss England’s quarter-final match against Norway in Miami Gardens on Saturday and also the semi-finals if Thomas Tuchel’s team advances.
Quansah was sent off in the second half of England’s 3-2 victory against Mexico on Sunday for a dangerous foul on Jesus Gallardo.
FIFA confirmed the two-match suspension for serious foul play.
FIFA’s handling of red card punishments has come under intense scrutiny after its disciplinary committee suspended the one-game penalty of star United States striker Folarin Balogun after President Donald Trump intervened and contacted FIFA President Gianni Infantino.
England's Jarell Quansah, left, fouls Mexico's Jesus Gallardo to see a red card during the World Cup round of 16 soccer match between Mexico and England in Mexico City.Silvia Izquierdo/The Associated Press
Infantino defended the independence of FIFA’s disciplinary committee and insisted the Balogun case was properly handled.
Quansah’s prolonged extension is the latest issue for Tuchel to contend with at right back.
First choice Reece James has not played since England’s second game of the tournament against Ghana due to a hamstring injury.
His backup Tino Livramento was sent home before England even kicked off its campaign after injuring his calf. Tuchel opted to call up a centre back in Trevoh Chalobah as his replacement, rather than going for a specialist right back.
It meant Quansah, who usually plays in central defence, has taken on the role of deputy to James.
Tuchel faced questions before the World Cup for leaving out Real Madrid right back Trent Alexander-Arnold, who is widely regarded as one of the top players in Europe.