FIFA Bans Quansah for Two World Cup Matches as England Right-Back Troubles Grow

ATLANTA, Georgia — FIFA has ordered England defender Jarell Quansah to serve a two-match ban following his dismissal against Mexico in the World Cup round of 16. The ruling, issued on Thursday, keeps him out of England's quarter-final meeting with Norway in Miami Gardens on Saturday and any semi-final should Thomas Tuchel's squad go through.

Quansah was shown a red card in the second half of England's 3-2 win over Mexico on Sunday for a dangerous foul on Jesus Gallardo. Football's world governing body confirmed the two-match punishment for serious foul play.

England forward Bukayo Saka called the outcome "incredibly frustrating." The decision arrives as FIFA's approach to red-card sanctions faces heavy criticism after its disciplinary committee overturned a one-match penalty handed to United States striker Folarin Balogun once President Donald Trump stepped in and spoke with FIFA President Gianni Infantino. Infantino has said the disciplinary panel acted on its own and that the Balogun matter was handled correctly.

"We're not here to complain, we just need to adapt and pick a team that's ready to beat Norway," Saka said.

The ban is the newest setback in a troubled spell at right back for Tuchel. First-choice Reece James has been unavailable since England's second group match against Ghana because of a hamstring injury. Backup Tino Livramento was sent home before the team opened its campaign after picking up a calf injury.

Tuchel chose to bring in centre back Trevoh Chalobah as cover instead of naming a specialist right back. That left Quansah, who normally operates in central defence, filling in behind James.

Even before the tournament, Tuchel had fielded questions over his decision to leave out Real Madrid right back Trent Alexander-Arnold, widely seen as one of Europe's leading players in that position.