Bellingham, Rice and England stars at risk of World Cup semi-final ban
Jude Bellingham and Declan Rice are among five England players one yellow card away from missing a potential World Cup semi-final.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0 / Author: YantsImages
England face a tense quarter-final clash against Norway this Saturday, with five players walking a disciplinary tightrope. Any of these stars who pick up a yellow card during the match will face an automatic one-match suspension, potentially ruling them out of the semi-finals.
Among those under pressure are Jude Bellingham and Declan Rice. While Rice is eligible to face Norway despite an early booking in the win over Mexico, he is now only one caution away from a ban. Bellingham finds himself in the same precarious position following a booking in the round of 32 victory against DR Congo.
Manchester City defenders Marc Guehi and Nico O’Reilly are also carrying the risk of a suspension. England manager Thomas Tuchel has voiced his frustration regarding officiating consistency, citing the uncertainty around disciplinary decisions throughout the tournament.
The squad's selection issues are compounded by other absences. Jarell Quansah is confirmed to miss the Norway game following his red card against Mexico. Additionally, veteran midfielder Jordan Henderson remains in Mexico City for treatment after sustaining a serious wrist injury during post-match celebrations, leaving the Three Lions short-handed in midfield.