Thomas Tuchel reveals England are yet to find an explanation for Jarell Quansah’s two-match ban after Mexico’s red card | Football news

Thomas Tuchel said England had not been given an explanation as to why defender Jarell Quansah was given a two-match 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 challenge on Jesus Gallardo.

Although this type of dismissal usually carries a one-match ban, it has been increased to two due to the challenge being considered a ‘serious game.’

Tuchel criticized the officials after the game, saying “the referees are not good enough.” The enhanced ban comes as FIFA is under fire after suspending United States forward Folarin Balogun’s one-match ban for a year following his red card against Bosnia and Herzegovina. After that, Balogun was allowed to play during their 4-1 defeat to Belgium.

It has been suggested that Tuchel’s comments about the officials may have played a role in the decision to extend Quansah’s ban, but the German revealed that he had not been given a reason why.

“I don’t think so,” he said when asked if his comments could have the long-term effect of a ban. “We don’t have an explanation either.”

The Three Lions battled valiantly in a hostile atmosphere at Azteca despite being underdogs in the second half to progress to the last eight. Tuchel believes that spirit will be key to defeating a confident Norway side.

“I think we took a big step in our last game, but it was only a step,” he added.

“We are still hungry, we still have dreams and we still have a big goal to play for, the next thing is to win the quarter final.

“We have left this game behind. We take good things and our beliefs, but everything important is in front of us.”

‘Not good enough’ – Tuchel’s full quotes from the officials after Quansah was sent off

Talking to BBC Sport immediately after the victory over Mexico, Tuchel said: “It is not good enough. The referees are not good enough. The fourth officials are not good enough.

“That’s important. Is this a clear and obvious mistake [Mexico] the penalty? Certainly not, but VAR is involved.

“They’re destroying the situation where he doesn’t even give an insult. It’s not enough.”

He went on to say: “We give everything and decisions are overturned in a very questionable way.”

“But it’s not just about the big decisions, the small decisions, the consistency in the decisions. You’re just out there, like almost in the open sea, in front of the court, you don’t know what’s going to happen. They’re not up to par.

“You’re playing at a very high level now. You need high-quality referees. There are only athletes out there. The game has changed a lot and it’s not good enough. It’s not good for the players, for the game.”

Tuchel gave three injuries before the game in Norway

Although Tuchel may be without Quansah through suspension, he was given a timely boost after confirming that Declan Rice, Marc Guehi and Reece James were all available for selection in Miami.

Rice struggled with illness after Monday’s last-16 win over Mexico and had been kept away from his teammates, while Guehi missed England’s training session in Kansas City on Thursday due to concerns about a hamstring problem.

However, both players took part in training in Miami on Friday, ahead of Saturday’s game against Norway in the city.

James also took part in the session, his first since picking up an injury during England’s second group game against Ghana. However, head coach Thomas Tuchel revealed that all three are available for selection on Saturday.

“We had everyone available in training. This is very good news,” said Tuchel during the press conference.

“We have full selection without our suspended player [Quansah].”

Kane enjoys the Haaland fight

One of the main issues facing Norway is which two-goal machine from either side will make the biggest difference.

Erling Haaland lit up the first ever World Cup and currently has seven goals to his name, with England captain Harry Kane sitting six behind. The Three Lions man, who is on pace to equal Wayne Rooney as England’s most capped player, is ready for the challenge.

“Erling has been unbelievable,” Kane said. “Physically he is 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 go in a little bit, I don’t think he is the one we should compare ourselves to.

“I have a lot of respect for him as a player, as a teammate. Obviously, I hope he has a quiet day tomorrow, but I think his overall performance in recent years speaks for itself.”