England finds itself in a delicate situation regarding player discipline at the World Cup, with several players at risk of being sidelined for the semi-finals if they manage to get past Norway in the quarter-finals.
In a thrilling match on Sunday night (or early Monday morning for UK viewers), Thomas Tuchel’s team triumphed as 3-2 winners against Mexico in Mexico City. The match was a rollercoaster, featuring two goals from Jude Bellingham and a penalty scored by Harry Kane.
However, another significant event occurred when Jarell Quansah saw red for a high challenge on Jesus Gallardo. Additionally, four other players received yellow cards: defenders Marc Guehi and Nico O’Reilly, along with midfielders Declan Rice and Jordan Henderson.
England’s Declan Rice receives a yellow card from the referee (Reuters)
In their previous match against DR Congo, Bellingham also received a yellow card. What implications do these bookings have for England’s upcoming clash with Norway, and potentially the semi-finals if they advance?
It’s important to note that yellow cards accumulated during the group stage are discarded afterward, so they do not apply at this point. Here’s everything you need to know:
How many yellow cards lead to a suspension?
A player who accumulates two yellow cards throughout the last 32, last 16, and quarter-finals will face suspension.
How long is the suspension?
The suspension lasts for one game. For instance, if a player receives yellow cards in both the last 32 and the last 16, they will miss the quarter-final; similarly, receiving cards in the last 32/last 16 and in the quarter-finals means missing the semi-finals.
When do yellow cards reset?
Yellow cards are reset after the group stages and the quarter-finals. Thus, a booking in the semi-finals, after a fresh slate, will not disqualify a player from the final regardless of their prior bookings.
What is the penalty for a red card?
Jarell Quansah received a straight red card during the match against Mexico (Getty)
A red card, whether direct or the result of two yellows in one match, incurs a one-game suspension. However, if the foul is deemed serious, the suspension increases to two matches. This applies to Quansah, who is banned from both the quarter-final and the semi-final after FIFA’s ruling.
In a controversial move, FIFA suspended the red card of USA player Florian Balogun, given during their match against Bosnia in the last 32, for a year, allowing him to participate in their upcoming last-16 match against Belgium.
This prompted Donald Trump to thank FIFA, sparking theories of intervention by the US administration.
When are red cards reset?
There is no reset for red cards, meaning if a player receives a red in the semi-finals, they will miss the final.
Which England players risk missing the semi-finals if they advance?
To be eligible for the semi-finals, should England progress, the following players must avoid receiving a booking against Norway: Jude Bellingham, Declan Rice, Marc Guehi, Nico O’Reilly, and Jordan Henderson (who is likely out for the remainder of the tournament due to injury).
Quansah’s red card means he will be unavailable for both the quarter-final and semi-final, but will become eligible again for the final if England makes it that far.