Four England players will be walking a suspension tightrope during Saturday’s World Cup quarter-final against Norway.
Under new rules introduced by FIFA for the World Cup 2026, yellow cards are reset after the last eight - which means players who pick up their second booking of the competition in the semi-finals wouldn’t miss the final if their team gets there.
Nonetheless, those who receive a yellow card in either the last 32 or last 16 would get a one-match ban and miss the semi-final if they were cautioned again in the quarter-final - and several key England players are at risk of that fate, if the Three Lions beat Norway.
The four England players at risk of missing World Cup semi-final
England’s knockout wins at this World Cup have been far from straightforward, starting with the last-32 clash with DR Congo, in which Harry Kane’s late double secured a 2-1 victory and saved Thomas Tuchel’s side from a humiliating exit.
The Three Lions then put in a heroic performance against co-hosts Mexico at the Azteca, winning 3-2 thanks to two quickfire Jude Bellingham goals, Kane’s penalty and a brave rearguard action after Jarell Quansah was sent off early in the second half.
Quansah misses the quarter-final against Norway as a result - although the FA are considering an appeal - but four key England players would be banned for the semi-final if they are booked on Saturday and their team wins.
That list includes Azteca hero Bellingham, who was cautioned for a reckless tackle in the first half against Congo.
Also at risk is midfielder and vice-captain Declan Rice, following his yellow card for a high challenge after just 50 seconds against Mexico.
Two members of England’s first-choice defence are also on a booking: centre-back Marc Guehi, who was cautioned for protesting the decision to award Mexico a second-half penalty (not Harry Kane, as a BBC graphic incorrectly indicated during the game), and left-back Nico O’Reilly, following an off-the-ball clash with defender Jorge Sanchez moments later.
Midfielder Jordan Henderson was also yellow-carded for interfering with play as an unused substitute as Tuchel’s side defended their lead, but will miss the rest of the World Cup after suffering a freak arm injury in the post-match celebrations.
With all four players starting both of England’s knockout matches so far, Tuchel faces a delicate balancing act on Saturday.
Bellingham has been particularly impressive during the tournament, scoring four times and assisting Harry Kane’s goal against Panama, and would be a huge miss.
However, any fears over suspensions would be academic if England lose to Norway, which will surely mean Tuchel prioritises the quarter-final above resting any of his stars for a potential last-four clash in Atlanta next Wednesday.
