Tuchel reveals FIFA gave England no explanation for Quansah's two-match ban

Thomas Tuchel has revealed that England received no explanation from FIFA after Jarell Quansah’s red card was upgraded to a two-match suspension, leaving the defender sidelined for the remainder of England’s World Cup campaign unless they reach the final.

Quansah was dismissed for a high lunge on Jesus Gallardo during England’s 3-2 Round of 16 victory over Mexico at the Azteca. FIFA subsequently classified the challenge as serious foul play, extending the automatic one-match ban to two games. Speaking at a press conference at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, Tuchel was blunt when asked whether the Football Association had received any communication from the governing body: “No, I don’t think so but we also have no explanation.”

The ruling means Quansah will miss Saturday’s quarter-final against Norway in Miami and, should England advance, the semi-final as well. He would only return if England reach the final or the third-place play-off. The decision drew further scrutiny given that FIFA had, just days earlier, suspended USMNT striker Folarin Balogun’s red card from the same tournament. A FIFA communications representative, when pressed on the matter at the same briefing, drew laughter by suggesting journalists email [email protected] for a response.

The FA were understood to be weighing an appeal, though no formal challenge has been confirmed. England’s defensive options have been boosted, however, by the return to training of Reece James, who had been absent since the 0-0 draw with Ghana in Boston. James resumed work with the squad at Inter Miami on Friday and is expected to play some part against Norway, though Tuchel has not indicated he will start.

Marc Guehi is also managing a hamstring issue following the Mexico win, while Declan Rice has been dealing with illness alongside neural pain in his hamstring and lower back. Jordan Henderson, spotted watching training in Miami with his arm in a cast, remains an outside possibility for a matchday squad appearance before the tournament ends.

Tuchel, meanwhile, was measured but pointed in his assessment of where his side stand heading into the last eight: “We took a big step in our last match but it was only a step, we are hungry. We’re going to need to be at our best for sure. This is the time to show it, in a big quarter-final stage, we want to show what type of team we can be.”