Tuchel says England received no explanation for Quansah's two-match World Cup ban

Thomas Tuchel says England have been given no explanation by FIFA for the two-match World Cup suspension handed to Jarell Quansah, which will keep the Bayer Leverkusen defender out of Saturday’s quarter-final against Norway in Miami and a potential semi-final.

Quansah was sent off during England’s win over Mexico and subsequently received an upgraded ban for “serious foul play” — a decision that has left Tuchel frustrated and, by his own account, uninformed. “We also have no explanation,” the England manager said when pressed on the sanction.

Tuchel had been sharply critical of the officiating standard at the tournament following the Mexico game, saying the referees “are just not good enough”. When asked whether those public comments may have influenced the length of Quansah’s ban, he was dismissive. “I don’t think so,” he said.

Despite losing Quansah, Tuchel received a significant boost in training on the eve of the Norway match. Declan Rice, Marc Guehi and Reece James all took part in the session, easing concerns over their availability. Rice had been dealing with illness, Guehi with a hamstring problem, and James has been working his way back from a hamstring injury of his own.

“We had everyone available in training. That’s the best news,” Tuchel said. “We have the full choice except for our suspended player.”

Jordan Henderson also remains in the England camp after undergoing surgery on a serious arm injury sustained during the post-match celebrations following the Mexico victory.