England head coach Thomas Tuchel has asked his players to embrace the occasion and play without fear as the Three Lions prepare for the 2026 FIFA World Cup quarter-finals against Norway, while also revealing that they have not received any reason from FIFA for Jarell Quansah’s two-game suspension.Speaking ahead of Saturday’s game at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, Tuchel insisted England must approach the game with confidence if they are to keep their World Cup dreams alive. At the same time, the German admitted he was still in the dark over FIFA’s decision to extend Quansah’s suspension beyond the one-match ban that usually follows a red card.According to Daily MailFIFA has refused to explain why Quansah’s ban was increased to two games despite inquiries.
Tuchel urges England to play without fear
England reached the quarter-finals after a 3-2 victory over Mexico, a game which saw Tuchel’s side play the final game with 10 men following Quansah’s dismissal.Now facing Norway, whose campaign has been boosted by Erling Haaland, Tuchel wants his players to attack the challenge rather than get caught up in the importance.“This is the exciting part now,” Tuchel said.“But we have to stop, we have to connect with our personality, connect with what makes us strong, stay forward and be brave. It’s the quarterfinals and the brave will have luck on their side.”“We cannot regret when we play the quarter-final, we have to do something, this is the most important thing.”The England manager also dismissed suggestions that Norway will approach the tournament as champions despite facing one of their favorite games.
England head coach Thomas Tuchel looks on during the World Cup round of 16 soccer match between Mexico and England in Mexico City, Sunday, July 5, 2026. (AP Photo/Moises Castillo)
After knocking out Brazil in the Round of 16, Tuchel believes Ståle Solbakken’s side have every reason to believe they will progress.“He’s overreacted but I think deep down he knows exactly where he is,” he said.“He knows very well how much trouble he can bring to any team. He did it. He took a big brand off the big stage and since then, there are no fans.”“Everyone plays to win the championship and they have the right to dream. But I don’t feel that our players are playing with fear. I don’t feel the weight of the shirt.”
There is no explanation from FIFA on Quansah’s suspension
One of England’s biggest head decisions is keeping Quansah.The Bayer Leverkusen defender was sent off following a VAR review during England’s win over Mexico, and the dismissal is expected to result in a one-match ban.Instead, FIFA banned two matches.
England’s Jarell Quansah (26) leaves the field after receiving a red card during the World Cup Round of 16 soccer match between Mexico and England in Mexico City, Sunday, July 5, 2026. (AP Photo/Ricardo Mazalan)
Asked by the publication whether football’s governing body had given an explanation for the extra punishment, and whether his criticism of the lead after the Mexico game might have influenced the situation, Tuchel admitted he had not heard anything.“I didn’t explain,” he said.The source said FIFA declined to give a reason when asked to comment on the decision.The issue has come to a head because the United States managed to get Folarin Balogun’s one-time ban suspended earlier in the tournament after FIFA invoked Article 27 of its disciplinary rules, allowing the player to appear against Belgium.England, however, did not receive a similar reprieve, leaving Quansah out of the quarter-finals and semi-finals.
Mexico won now strongly in the past
Despite the controversies surrounding the Mexico game, Tuchel said England deliberately walked away from the game’s most exciting contest.The Lions trio have been given 48 hours to recover following the hard-fought away win in Mexico City before returning to their training base in Kansas City, where they have switched to Norway.
England’s Kobbie Mainoo, left, Jordan Henderson, second from left, Harry Kane, and England’s Anthony Gordon, right, train for the World Cup qualifier Friday, June 26, 2026, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
Reflecting on England’s defeat, Tuchel likened his experience to one of the Premier League’s most difficult outings.“Azteca and matches like that were really all that happened,” he said.“We just had to find a way. That’s how we did it with the team.”“If you want an image from the Premier League, it’s January, it’s not at Sunderland or Leeds. It’s difficult. It’s not a good season. You don’t like the players’ decisions. Everything is bad.”“We’ve found a way. But we can’t get carried away, we have to stop looking back now. This is what we have in common with this team – we draw a line in the sand. It’s not Mexico anymore. It’s just Norway.”Tuchel finished with a reminder of what is still at stake as England chase a place in the World Cup semi-finals.“Football and the World Cup exist for the world and our fans to dream, believe and entertain. This is what it is and we want to take the next step.”