Jarell Quansah has been handed a two-match ban by Fifa following his red card in England's World Cup last-16 victory over Mexico, a sanction that leaves the defender devastated. The governing body announced the suspension on Thursday, citing serious foul play as the reason for the disciplinary action.
Impact on England's squad
The ban rules Quansah out of the quarter-final against Norway in Miami on Saturday, as well as a potential semi-final should England progress. Thomas Tuchel must now decide on a replacement at right-back. Reece James, sidelined for the last three matches with a hamstring injury, remains a selection doubt but could feature as a substitute. Djed Spence is the most natural choice for the position, while Ezri Konsa, who replaced Quansah after the sending-off, is another option. However, Tuchel has expressed reluctance to disrupt Konsa's partnership with Marc Guéhi in central defence.
The controversial red card
Quansah was dismissed in the 54th minute after a challenge on Mexico left-back Jesus Gallardo. Referee Alireza Faghani initially did not award a free-kick but changed his decision after being called to the pitch-side monitor by the video assistant referee, where he reviewed slow-motion replays and freeze-frames. Tuchel was unhappy with the process that led to the red card.
FA representations and appeal possibilities
The Football Association is likely to have made representations to Fifa regarding the dismissal process. There is no right of appeal against a red card at this tournament, though the possibility of an overturned decision was opened by Fifa's controversial decision to suspend Folarin Balogun's one-match ban after the striker was sent off in the USA's win over Bosnia and Herzegovina.
