England are preparing for their World Cup semi-final against Argentina in Atlanta, with victory putting them one win away from their first trophy since 1966. But concerns over player suspensions for a potential final have been eased by tournament rules.
Yellow cards wiped after quarter-finals
According to FIFA regulations, yellow cards accumulated during the World Cup are reset after the quarter-final stage. This means no England player will be suspended for Sunday's final against Spain if they receive a yellow card in the semi-final. Only a red card in tonight's match would rule a player out of the final.
Four England players entered the quarter-final against Norway with the threat of suspension hanging over them: Jude Bellingham, Declan Rice, Marc Guehi, and Nico O'Reilly. Bellingham had been booked against DR Congo but avoided further cautions against Mexico and Norway. Rice was booked early in the Round of 16 match against Mexico, while Guehi and O'Reilly also received yellow cards in that game.
All four now have peace of mind that a booking against Argentina will not keep them out of the final, should England advance.
Only Quansah suspended for semi-final
Defender Jarrel Quansah is the only England player suspended for the Argentina clash. He was sent off against Mexico and initially expected to miss just the Norway game, but FIFA extended his ban to two matches. The Bayer Leverkusen player will be available for the final if England qualify.
England's path to the final sees them face Argentina in Atlanta, with the winner heading to New Jersey to play Spain on Sunday. The Three Lions are seeking their first World Cup triumph since 1966.
