Thomas Tuchel has claimed that England have not been offered an explanation as to why defender Jarell Quansah was handed a two-game suspension following his red card against Mexico.
Quansah was shown a straight red card after a VAR review early in the second half at the Azteca for an ankle-high challenge on Jesus Gallardo.
While dismissals of this nature usually carry a one-game ban, it was upgraded to two as a result of the challenge being considered ‘serious foul play.’
Tuchel was critical of the officials post-match, claiming that the “referees are just not good enough.” The upgraded ban also comes at a time where FIFA are under fire after suspending United States forward Folarin Balogun’s one-game ban for a year after his sending off against Bosnia and Herzegovina. Balogun was subsequently cleared to play in the 4-1 defeat to Belgium.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Harry Redknapp jokingly calls for the Prime Minister to ring FIFA after Jarell Quansah was handed a two match suspension for his foul against Mexico last week.
There had been some suggestion that Tuchel’s comments on officials may have been a factor in the decision to extend Quansah’s ban, but the German revealed he had not been given a reason why that was the case.
“I don’t think so,” he said when asked if his comments could’ve impacted the length of the ban. “We also have no explanation.”
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Bukayo Saka and Nico O’Reilly react to the news of teammate Jarell Quansah’s two-match ban following the red card given in the World Cup game against Mexico.
The Three Lions fought valiantly in the hostile atmosphere of the Azteca despite being a man down for the majority of the second half to progress to the last eight. Tuchel believes that spirit will be important in overcoming a Norway side brimming with confidence.
“I think we took a big step in our last match, but it was only a step,” he added.
“We’re still hungry, we still have dreams and we still have a big goal to play for. The next step is to win the quarter-final.
“We left this match behind. We take the positive things and the belief with us, but everything that matters is ahead of us.”
‘Not good enough’ – Tuchel’s full quotes on officials after Quansah red
Speaking to BBC Sport immediately after the win against Mexico, Tuchel said: “It’s just not good enough. Referees are just not good enough. Fourth officials are just not good enough.
“It’s the bottom line. Is this a clear and obvious mistake for the [Mexico] penalty? For sure not, but VAR gets involved.
“They overturn a situation where he doesn’t even give a foul. Not good enough.”
He would go on to add: “We give everything and then decisions are overturned in a very questionable way.
“But it’s not only about the big decisions, the little decisions, the consistency in the decisions. You’re just out there, it’s like almost on the open sea, in front of the court, you don’t know what’s going to happen. They’re just not on the level.
“You play at the highest level now. You need highest‑level refereeing. There are only athletes out there. The game has changed massively and it’s just not good enough. It’s just not good enough for the players, for the game.”
Tuchel handed triple injury boost ahead of Norway game
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
David Beckham joined the England squad in their training session ahead of the World Cup quarter-finals clash against Norway.
While Tuchel may be without Quansah due to suspension, he was handed a timely boost after confirming that Declan Rice, Marc Guehi and Reece James were all available for selection in Miami.
Rice had been struggling with illness after Monday’s last-16 win in Mexico and had been kept away from team-mates, while Guehi missed England’s training session in Kansas City on Thursday with concerns emerging about a hamstring issue.
However, both players took part in training in Miami on Friday, ahead of Saturday’s showdown with Norway in the city.
James also took part in the session, his first since sustaining a hamstring injury during England’s second group stage game against Ghana. However, head coach Thomas Tuchel revealed that all three were available for selection on Saturday.
“We had everyone available in training. That’s the best news,” Tuchel said during his press conference.
“We have the full choice except for our suspended player [Quansah].”
Kane relishing Haaland battle
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Erling Haaland looks ahead to the World Cup match against England, where he will be facing some of his Premier League pals.
One of the main storylines going into the encounter with Norway is which of the two goal machines on either side will make the biggest difference.
Erling Haaland has lit up his first ever World Cup and currently has seven goals to his name, with England skipper Harry Kane sitting just behind on six. The Three Lions man, who is set to draw level with Wayne Rooney to become England’s most-capped outfield player, is ready for the challenge.
“Erling has been incredible,” Kane said. “Physically, he’s a machine. His finishing is at the highest level, and obviously his goal-scoring record speaks for itself.
“I see myself as a different player, although I score the same goals. I like to be a little more involved. I don’t think he’s one to compare ourselves.
“I respect him a lot as a player, as a fellow professional. Obviously, I’m hoping he has a quiet day tomorrow, but I think his overall performance over these recent years speaks for itself.”
