Copy linkFacebookXPinterestEmailShare this article 0Join the conversationFollow usAdd us as a preferred source on GoogleNewsletterSubscribe to our newsletterFour England players will be walking a suspension tightrope during Saturdays 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 wouldnt 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-finalEnglands knockout wins at this World Cup have been far from straightforward, starting with the last-32 clash with DR Congo, in which Harry Kanes late double secured a 2-1 victory and saved Thomas Tuchels 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, Kanes penalty and a brave rearguard action after Jarell Quansah was sent off early in the second half. You may like How do suspensions work in the knock-out rounds of World Cup 2026? Can England replace Jordan Henderson after freak injury? World Cup 2026: Every England players penalty record 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.Get FourFourTwo NewsletterThe best features, fun and footballing quizzes, straight to your inbox every week.Contact me with news and offers from other Future brandsReceive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsorsBy submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.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 Englands 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 OReilly, 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 Tuchels 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 Englands 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 Kanes 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.TOPICSDeclan RiceJude BellinghamMarc GuehiHarry KaneEnglandWorld CupWorld Cup 2026James RobertsFreelance writerJames 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.
