Quansah's two-match ban leaves England depleted for World Cup quarter-final against Norway

Jarell Quansah will miss England’s World Cup quarter-final against Norway on Saturday and a potential semi-final after Fifa handed the defender a two-match suspension for his red card in England’s last-16 win over Mexico. The ruling leaves manager Thomas Tuchel with significantly reduced defensive options at a critical stage of the tournament.

Bukayo Saka confirmed the squad’s reaction after learning the full extent of the ban. “I just found out that it’s a two-match ban, which is incredibly frustrating for us and for him,” the Arsenal winger told reporters on Thursday. “But it’s the way it is. We’re not here to complain, we just need to adapt and pick a team that’s ready to beat Norway.”

Quansah’s red card was issued following a video review that determined he had made a sliding, studs-up tackle. England explored the possibility of an appeal, a route that appeared plausible after Fifa had overturned a one-match ban on United States striker Folarin Balogun earlier in the competition. However, an FA spokesperson confirmed that Fifa regulations prevented England from challenging the decision in Quansah’s case.

Saka declined to draw a direct comparison between the two rulings when pressed. “I don’t really know what to say. I have no comment on that. It was Fifa’s decision,” he said. “This decision for us, focusing on ourselves, is frustrating. But we have to adapt and deal with it.”

The suspension compounds existing defensive injury concerns for Tuchel. Nico O’Reilly, who is one booking away from a suspension himself, acknowledged the blow but said the squad had no choice but to move on. “Yeah, of course, it’s sad. It can’t get appealed or anything, so we’ve just got to get on with it now. Obviously, I feel bad for him as well.”

O’Reilly insisted he would not change his approach against Norway despite the risk of missing a semi-final if he picks up a yellow card. “I think I approach it the same as every other game. Of course, if we win and I get a yellow card, I miss the next game. But I’m not focused on that. I’m focused on playing my game and doing what I need to do.”

There was at least one positive note for England, with Saka reporting steady improvement in his fitness. The winger arrived at the tournament managing an Achilles problem that had kept him out of several Premier League matches late in the season. “I think across the tournament, my minutes have been building and building,” he said.