World Cup 2026: Bukayo Saka urges England to move on after Jarell Quansah ban

KANSAS CITY: England winger Bukayo Saka has admitted the squad is disappointed by Jarell Quansah's two-match suspension but insists the team must quickly move on as they prepare for Saturday's FIFA World Cup quarter-final against Norway.

Quansah was sent off during England's last-16 victory over Mexico after a VAR review judged his sliding challenge to be studs-up.

FIFA subsequently imposed a two-match ban, ruling the defender out of both the quarter-final and a potential semi-final, leaving head coach Thomas Tuchel with limited defensive options.

Speaking to reporters on Thursday, Saka described the punishment as frustrating but accepted there was little England could do.

"I just found out that it's a two-match ban, which is incredibly frustrating for us and for him," Saka said.

"But it's the way it is. We're not here to complain, we just need to adapt and pick a team that's ready to beat Norway."

England had considered challenging the suspension after FIFA overturned a one-match ban previously handed to United States forward Folarin Balogun earlier in the tournament.

However, the Football Association confirmed that tournament regulations did not allow England to appeal Quansah's case.

Saka declined to comment on the apparent difference between the two disciplinary decisions, saying only that the team must remain focused on its own preparations.

Defender Nico O'Reilly, who is one booking away from a suspension himself, admitted Quansah's absence was a significant setback but said England had no choice but to move forward.

The Manchester City defender also insisted he would not change his style of play despite the risk of missing a possible semi-final if cautioned against Norway.