Jarrell Quansah was given a red card following a VAR check in the second half of England’s 3-2 win over Mexico on Monday, with fans expecting him to receive a one-match ban.
Jarrell Quansah sent off against Mexico (Image: Eric Verhoeven/Soccrates/Getty Images)
Jarrell Quansah received a red card against Mexico and was suspended for two games. It is a big blow for England manager Thomas Tuchel, who will miss the defender for Saturday’s quarter-final match against Norway and a possible semi-final.
A red card usually results in a one-match suspension, but Quansah was given a two-match suspension. Also likely to infuriate the soccer association is that, following President Donald Trump’s personal intervention, FIFA delayed the red card to allow Folarin Balogun to play for the United States.
FIFA is in turmoil as it faces accusations of double standards. England defender Quansah was sent off for challenging Mexico’s Jesus Gallardo. After a VAR check, he was given his marching orders.
There is no right of direct appeal at the World Cup, but the FA was considering that option as a direct result of FIFA’s leniency towards Balogun after President Trump called FIFA President Gianni Infantino.
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The situation did not improve, and the FIFA Disciplinary Committee handed down the harsh punishment of a two-game suspension.
They have the right to decide what the suspension should be. Quansah’s challenge was deemed a “serious foul” and he was therefore given two matches.
Jarel Quansah slides into Jesus Gallardo (Image: Michael Steele/Getty Images)
Due to the suspension, manager Tuchel will have a tough time at right-back. Reece James is the obvious solution, but the Chelsea captain has missed England’s remaining three games with a hamstring injury and faces a race against time until he is available for the game against Norway.
Jed Spence, Ezri Konsa and John Stones were substitutes at right-back, while midfielder Declan Rice made a cameo appearance against the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Tuchel could have opted for a five-man defense late on in Monday’s 3-2 win over Mexico after England were reduced to 10 men.
The Three Lions’ priority in Miami on Saturday will be to stop Norwegian striker Erling Haaland. Many experts believe Dan Byrne should be included in the line-up, with the Newcastle centre-back’s towering physique and aerial dominance seen as tools to deal with Haaland.
If England beat Norway, they will face the winner of Sunday’s quarter-final between Argentina and Switzerland. The semi-final will take place in Atalanta on Wednesday 15th July at 8pm (British time).
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