Which England players are at risk of suspension?

England have several key players walking a suspension tightrope against Norway

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.

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.

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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.

James Roberts is a freelance sports journalist working for FourFourTwo and other titles. He started his career at the Oxford Mail, where he covered Oxford United home and away, before becoming a sports sub-editor for various national newspapers.