Jarell Quansah has been suspended for two games after his departure from the Mexico match and England now have a new challenge in front of them in defence.
The 23-year-old defender picked up a red card in the 54th minute of England’s exciting 3-2 win after a dangerous challenge on Jesus Gallardo. FIFA officials deemed the tackle to be serious foul play, which saw him get a further one-match suspension on top of the red card.
The decision means that Quansah will miss out on England’s key quarter-final clash with Norway. He would also miss out on a potential semi-final with Argentina or Switzerland. But the Bavarian club’s defender may be able to get back in with England looking to qualify for the World Cup final on 19 July.
It was reported that the Football Association of England looked into challenging the suspension, however there are no rules in the tournament for appeals against the suspension.
The ruling has also raised doubts about how FIFA is dealing with the discipline cases. USA forward Folarin Balogun was penalised for a similar serious foul play violation against Bosnia-Herzegovina but in his case, his suspension was reportedly on hold.
That case drew a lot of criticism and drew a lot of scrutiny of the disciplinary procedure of FIFA.
England manager Thomas Tuchel has another decision dilemma to contend with as Quansah goes into the game without him. Tuchel will need to look for another defensive alternative as the Three Lions press on towards the semi-finals against Norway.
