England lose Quansah for Norway clash after FIFA suspension

England have suffered a major setback ahead of their 2026 FIFA World Cup quarter-final against Norway after defender Jarell Quansah was suspended for two matches by FIFA, ruling him out of Saturday's last-eight clash and a potential semi-final if England progress.

Quansah received a straight red card following a VAR review during England's Round of 16 victory over Mexico, prompting FIFA to impose a two-match suspension.

The ban further complicates England manager Thomas Tuchel's defensive plans, with first-choice right-back Reece James still struggling with a hamstring injury. James has missed three consecutive matches and was absent from training again on Wednesday, leaving his availability against Norway in doubt.

England have rotated Djed Spence and Quansah at right-back during James' absence, but neither has fully convinced. After Quansah's dismissal against Mexico, defender Ezri Konsa was shifted to right-back for the remainder of the match, a role he could reprise against Norway, while John Stones is expected to return to central defence.

The English Football Association (FA) is now exploring the possibility of appealing Quansah's suspension, citing FIFA's recent decision to suspend the ban imposed on United States forward Folarin Balogun before the Belgium match.

The incident has raised questions over consistency in FIFA's disciplinary process.

"Where does this start and where does it end? Can decisions be overturned or not? That's the question," Tuchel said, expressing frustration over what he described as unclear standards in FIFA's handling of suspensions.

England face Norway on Sunday (July 12) with a place in the World Cup semi-finals at stake.