The Football Association is weighing up whether to lodge an appeal against Jarell Quansah’s red card following England’s thrilling 3-2 triumph over Mexico in the World Cup last-16.
Internal discussions are ongoing at the FA, with all options remaining on the table.
The deliberations come in the wake of FIFA’s remarkable decision to suspend Folarin Balogun’s one-match ban for 12 months after US President Donald Trump personally requested a review of the American striker’s dismissal against Bosnia-Herzegovina.
That unprecedented intervention has drawn widespread condemnation from across football, including criticism from UEFA, the Belgian FA and England manager Thomas Tuchel.
Jarell Quansah was sent off for England against Mexico in a dramatic night at the Azteca
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Quansah received his marching orders in the 54th minute following a high challenge on Mexico’s Jesus Gallardo, with the decision confirmed after a VAR review.
The Liverpool defender now faces a one-match suspension that would rule him out of Saturday’s quarter-final clash with Norway in Miami.
The 22-year-old had only just returned to the starting lineup against Mexico, having recovered from an injury sustained during England’s group stage encounter with Panama.
His absence would compound England’s defensive difficulties, with the right-back position proving a persistent headache for Tuchel throughout the tournament.
Former England internationals Gary Neville and Ian Wright have both voiced support for an appeal, despite acknowledging that the dismissal was the correct decision on the pitch.
Donald Trump insisted “that wasn’t a foul”, referring to Folarin Balogun’s red card vs Bosnia and Herzegovina | REUTERS
Wright suggested the Balogun reversal has fundamentally changed the landscape for disciplinary challenges.
“It’s a red but I think we should still appeal it because people are getting it overturned now,” Wright told The Stick to Football podcast.
The Arsenal legend argued that Balogun’s challenge was merely clumsy rather than malicious, adding: “He has got away with it so why can’t England as this has opened up Pandora’s box.”
Wright also quipped that outgoing Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer should telephone FIFA, much as Trump did for the Americans.
Wright extended his jest to suggest French President Emmanuel Macron should similarly intervene on behalf of Michael Olise, who was cautioned during Les Bleus’ victory over Paraguay.
Reports from The Athletic indicate France are indeed challenging the Bayern Munich winger’s booking.
Folarin Balogun is now available for the US’s contest against Belgium
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England’s defensive options remain stretched heading into the knockout stages.
First-choice right-back Reece James has been sidelined since suffering a hamstring injury in the group stage match against Ghana, missing the subsequent fixtures against Panama, DR Congo and Mexico.
There is optimism James could return to training this week and potentially feature against Norway.
However, Djed Spence departed the Azteca Stadium with lower leg discomfort, with his condition being monitored ahead of Thursday’s departure for Miami.
