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Thomas Tuchel claims England have been given no explanation as to why defender Jarrel Kwansah 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 Azteca for an ankle-high challenge on Jesus Gallardo.
While dismissals of this nature normally carry a one-game ban, this was increased to two as the challenge was deemed ‘serious foul play’.
Tuchel criticized the officials after the match, claiming that “the referees are not good enough.” The upgraded ban also comes at a time when FIFA has come under fire after suspending United States forward Folarin Balogun’s one-game ban for one year following his sending off against Bosnia and Herzegovina. Balogun was later cleared to play in a 4–1 loss to Belgium.
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Harry Redknapp jokingly called on the Prime Minister to call FIFA after Jarrell Kwansah was handed a two-match ban for a foul against Mexico last week.
There was some suggestion that Tuchel’s comments about officials may have been a factor in Quansah’s decision to extend the ban, but the German revealed that he had not been given a reason as to why this was the case.
“I don’t think so,” he said when asked if his comments could affect the length of the ban. “We have no explanation either.”
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Bukayo Saka and Nico O’Reilly have reacted to the news of teammate Jarrell Kwansah’s two-match ban following a red card in the World Cup game against Mexico.
The Three Lions battled valiantly in the Azteca’s hostile environment despite being down for most of the second half to progress to the last eight. Tuchel believes spirit will be key to overcoming a confident Norway side.
“I think we took a big step in our last match, but it was just a step,” he added.
“We are still hungry, we still have dreams and we still have a big goal to play for. The next step is to win the quarter-finals.
“We put this match behind us. We took positive things and belief with us, but everything important is ahead of us.”
‘Not good enough’ – Tuchel’s full quote on officials after Quansah red
talking BBC Sport Immediately after the win against Mexico, Tuchel said: “It’s not good enough. The referees are not good enough. The fourth officials are not good enough.
“That’s the bottom line. Is it (Mexico) a clear and obvious mistake for a penalty? Definitely not, but VAR is involved.
“They turn over situations where he doesn’t even foul. Not good enough.”
He would go on to add: “We give everything and then the decisions are overturned in a very questionable way.
“But it’s not just about big decisions, small decisions, a succession of decisions. You’re right there, it’s almost like the open ocean, in front of the court, you don’t know what’s going to happen. They’re just not level.
“You’re playing at the highest level now. You need top-level referees. There are only athletes. The game has changed a lot and it’s not good enough. It’s not good enough for the players, for the game.”
Tuchel added a triple injury ahead of the Norway game
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David Beckham joins the England squad for their training session ahead of their World Cup quarter-final clash against Norway.
Although Tuchel may be without Kwansah due to suspension, he was given a timely boost after Declan Rice, Mark Guihy and Rhys James confirmed. All were available for selection in Miami.
Rice was battling illness and was kept away from teammates after Monday’s last-16 win in Mexico, while Guihy missed England’s training session in Kansas City on Thursday with concerns about a hamstring problem.
However, both players attended 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 suffering a hamstring injury in England’s second group stage game against Ghana. However, head coach Thomas Tuchel revealed that all three were available for selection on Saturday.
“Everyone was available in our training. That’s the best news,” Tuchel told his press conference.
“We have full choice except for our suspended player (Kwansah).”
Kane is enjoying the Haaland battle
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Erling Haaland is looking ahead to the World Cup match against England, where he will face some of his Premier League friends.
One of the key storylines in the clash with Norway will be which of the two goal machines on either side will make the biggest difference.
Erling Haaland lit up his first World Cup and currently has seven goals to his name, with England captain Harry Kane sitting just six behind. The Three Lions man, who is set to equal Wayne Rooney as England’s most capped outfield player, is up for the challenge.
“Erling was incredible,” Kane said. “Physically, he’s a machine. His finishing is top-notch, and obviously his goalscoring record speaks for itself.
“I see myself as a different player, even though I score the same goals. I like to be a bit more involved. I don’t think he is the one to compare us to.
“I have a lot of respect for him as a player, as a professional colleague. Obviously, I hope he has a quiet day tomorrow, but I think his overall performance in recent years speaks for itself.”
