Thomas Tuchel reveals England still haven’t got an explanation for Jarrell Quanz’s upgraded two-game ban after Mexico red card | Football news
Thomas Tuchel has claimed England have not been offered an explanation why defender Jarrell Kwanza was banned for two games following his red card against Mexico.
Cuanza was shown a straight red card following a VAR review early in the second half at Azteca for an ankle challenge on Jesus Gallardo.
While dismissals of this nature normally result in a one-game ban, this was increased to two as a result of the challenge being deemed “serious foul play”.
Tuchel criticized the officials after the match, claiming that “the referees are just not good enough”. The enhanced ban also comes as FIFA faces criticism after suspending United States forward Folarin Balogun’s one-game ban for a year following his sending-off against Bosnia and Herzegovina. Later, Balagun was allowed to play in the match that defeated Belgium (4:1).
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Harry Redknapp is jokingly urging the Prime Minister to call FIFA after Jarrell Kwanza was banned for two matches for a foul against Mexico last week.
There was some speculation that Tuchel’s comments to the officials may have been the reason for the decision to extend Quans’ ban, but the German revealed that he had not been given a reason why this was the case.
“I don’t think so,” he said when asked if his comments could have affected the length of the ban. “We have no explanation either.”
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Bukayo Sako and Nico O’Reilly react to the news that teammate Jarrell Quanz has been suspended for two matches following his red card in the World Cup game against Mexico.
The Three Lions battled bravely in a hostile Aztec atmosphere, despite missing most of the second half to make it to the last eight. Tuchel believes spirit will be essential in overcoming a Norwegian side full of 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 quarterfinals.
“We put this match behind us. We take positivity and belief with us, but everything important is ahead of us.”
“Not good enough” – Tuchel’s full quotes about officials after Quansah red
Talking to BBC Sport immediately after the win against Mexico, Tuchel said: “It’s just not good enough. The referees just aren’t good enough. Fourth umpires just aren’t good enough.
“This is the essence. Is it a clear and obvious penalty foul (Mexico)? Of course not, but VAR intervenes here.
“They call it quits when he doesn’t even foul. Not good enough.”
He went on to add: “We give it our all and then the decisions are overturned in a very questionable way.
“But it’s not just about big decisions, small decisions, consistency in decisions. You’re just there, it’s like almost in the open sea, before the judgment, you don’t know what’s going to happen. They are just not up to par.
“Now you are playing at the highest level. You need refereeing at the highest level. There are only athletes. The game has changed a lot and it just isn’t good enough. Just not enough for the players, for the game.”
Before the Norway game, Tuchel suffered a tripling of injuries
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David Beckham has joined England for training ahead of their World Cup quarter-final against Norway.
While Tuchel could be without Quans due to suspension, he was given a timely boost after confirming that Declan Rice, Mark Gehey and Rhys James all were available for selection in Miami.
Rice has been battling illness since Monday’s last-gasp win in Mexico and has been kept away from her team-mates, while Gehey missed England training in Kansas City on Thursday with a hamstring concern.
However, both players took part in training in Miami on Friday, ahead of Saturday’s clash with Norway in the city.
James also took part in the session, his first since suffering 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. This is the best news,” Tuchel said during his press conference.
“We have a full selection, except for our suspended player (Kwans).”
Kane enjoys the Haaland battle
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Erling Haaland is looking forward to the World Cup match against England, where he will meet some of his Premier League friends.
One of the main storylines going into the Norway encounter is which of the two goal machines from either side will make the biggest difference.
Erling Haaland scored his first World Cup and now has seven goals, with England captain Harry Kane close behind with six. 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 is a machine. His finishing game is top notch and obviously his scoring record speaks for itself.
“I consider myself a different player, even though I score the same goals. I like to be a little more involved. I don’t think he’s one to compare us.
“I have a lot of respect for him as a player, as a fellow professional. Obviously, I’m hoping he has a quiet day tomorrow, but I think his overall play over the last few years speaks for itself.”
