Thomas Tuchel has admitted England are still waiting for answers from FIFA after Jarell Quansah’s controversial World Cup suspension was extended ahead of Saturday’s quarter-final against Norway.
The Three Lions boss revealed his frustration after confirming neither he nor his coaching staff have been told why the Liverpool defender was handed a two-match ban following his red card against Mexico.
England head into the last-eight showdown in Miami with growing concerns over their defensive options, with Quansah’s absence leaving Tuchel short of cover at right-back.
The 23-year-old was sent off during England’s dramatic last-16 victory after catching Mexico defender Jesus Gallardo high on the ankle.
Referee officials initially allowed play to continue before VAR intervened, leading to the dismissal after the challenge was reviewed.
While England considered whether to challenge the decision, FIFA later confirmed Quansah would miss two matches instead of receiving the standard one-game suspension.
The punishment sparked fresh debate, particularly after Tuchel openly criticised the officiating following England’s victory over Mexico.
The German questioned several decisions during the contest, including the award of a penalty against Harry Kane, which he felt was harsh.
Thomas Tuchel has admitted England are still waiting for answers from FIFA after Jarell Quansah’s controversial World Cup suspension was extended ahead of Saturday’s quarter-final against Norway
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Jarell Quansah was sent off for England against Mexico in a dramatic night at the Azteca | REUTERS
Asked whether those public comments could have played a role in Quansah receiving an additional game on the sidelines, Tuchel dismissed the suggestion but admitted England have been left in the dark.
“I don’t think so,” he said.
“We also have no explanation.”
The decision has attracted further attention because of another high-profile disciplinary case earlier in the tournament.
Every team to have won the World Cup | GETTY/GB NEWS
USA forward Folarin Balogun had his automatic one-match suspension lifted after being sent off in the last 32, allowing him to return immediately following a review by a FIFA disciplinary committee.
That case generated headlines after United States President Donald Trump held discussions with FIFA president Gianni Infantino before the governing body reconsidered the sanction.
England, however, have received no such clarification over Quansah’s case as they prepare for one of their biggest matches under Tuchel.
Despite the disciplinary setback, the former Chelsea and Bayern Munich manager believes his squad has embraced the aggressive style he has been trying to implement since taking charge.
Rather than attempting to reinvent England’s identity, Tuchel says his focus has been on creating an environment that allows his players to perform with confidence while retaining the qualities traditionally associated with English football.
“I’m not sure if I tried to change the identity,” Tuchel explained.
“I try to support the players and build a platform for them to show their qualities.
Thomas Tuchel is pleased with England’s progress as they prepare to face Norway at the World Cup
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“I think you see, especially in this World Cup, in our World Cup campaign, that we can play front foot football, we can be aggressive, we like to be active.
“And of course, I think that mentality, togetherness, competitiveness, having the bite and the hunger and the grit is a part of English football, it’s a part of the Premier League.
“You cannot count it in passes and in attacks and ball possession, but these things matter in football.
“This team and these players have it to the highest level.
“That’s basically it.”
England will now hope that mentality is enough to overcome Norway and book their place in the World Cup semi-finals, with a clash against Argentina or Switzerland lying in wait.
