England defender Jarell Quansah has been handed a two-match suspension by FIFA following his red card in the World Cup last-16 win over Mexico, ruling him out of Saturday’s quarter-final against Norway and a potential semi-final.
Quansah was initially booked during the match but was sent off after a VAR review upgraded the offence to a straight red card. The decision leaves head coach Thomas Tuchel with limited options at right-back.
Chelsea captain Reece James, the only natural right-back in the squad, remains a doubt due to a hamstring injury that has kept him out of the last three matches. Deputies Djed Spence and Quansah have both struggled in the role, while James missed training earlier this week.
Ezri Konsa, who filled in at right-back late in the win over Mexico, is now a leading option to start against Norway, with John Stones expected to return to central defence.
The Football Association is reportedly considering an appeal against Quansah’s suspension, citing inconsistency after USA striker Folarin Balogun avoided a ban under controversial circumstances.
Tuchel questioned FIFA’s decision-making after the match, saying, “Where does this start and where does this end? Can we overturn it or not? Where do we draw the line?”
