England will have four key players walking a disciplinary tightrope when they face Norway in their World Cup quarter-final in Miami tonight.
Thomas Tuchel’s side are preparing for another defining night as they attempt to move within two victories of winning England’s first major trophy since the famous triumph of 1966.
However, Jude Bellingham, Declan Rice, Harry Kane and Nico O’Reilly are all just one yellow card away from being ruled out of a potential semi-final.
It leaves Tuchel with an uncomfortable balancing act against a dangerous Norway side, with England unable to afford any of their biggest names playing within themselves during such an important contest.
The tournament’s disciplinary rules mean yellow cards collected during the knockout stages remain active until the quarter-finals have been completed.
Any player who receives two cautions across the round of 32, last 16 and quarter-finals must serve a one-match suspension.
That punishment would be particularly painful for England’s four threatened players, as another booking against Norway would force them to watch the semi-final from the sidelines if the Three Lions progress.
England will have four key players walking a disciplinary tightrope when they face Norway in their World Cup quarter-final in Miami tonight
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Declan Rice was booked in the first minute of England’s World Cup clash with Mexico last time out
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The slate is wiped after the quarter-finals, meaning all remaining yellow cards are cleared before the last four.
That rule is designed to prevent a player from missing the World Cup final because of two bookings accumulated across separate matches.
A caution in the semi-final, therefore, would not rule a player out of the final. Only a red card, whether issued directly or after two yellow cards in the same game, would trigger an automatic suspension.
England’s record at the World Cup | GETTY/ GB NEWS
Bellingham has been at risk since being booked during England’s round-of-32 victory over DR Congo.
The midfielder successfully avoided another caution during the dramatic 3-2 win over Mexico, but must now do the same against Norway.
Rice joined him on the disciplinary list after being booked inside the opening minutes of the last-16 tie.
Captain Kane and Manchester City defender O’Reilly were then cautioned during the second half, placing both men in danger ahead of the quarter-final.
Losing any member of the quartet would represent a serious setback, with Bellingham, Rice and Kane central to Tuchel’s plans and O’Reilly becoming increasingly important during England’s run.
The threat of a red card is even more severe.
Nico O’Reilly will need to behave himself in England’s World Cup match with Norway
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FIFA regulations state that a dismissal brings an automatic suspension for the next match, regardless of when it occurs during the tournament.
That applies whether a player receives a straight red card or is sent off after collecting two cautions.
Jarell Quansah has already fallen foul of those regulations after being dismissed against Mexico for a high challenge on Jesus Gallardo.
England initially expected the defender to miss only the Norway clash, but FIFA subsequently increased his suspension to two matches.
It means Quansah would also be unavailable for the semi-final and could not return until the World Cup final, provided England make it that far.
