England manager Thomas Tuchel has told his players to avoid any needless red cards that could mean a World Cup ban.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s red card in Portugal’s defeat by the Republic of Ireland on Thursday means he will miss the start of their World Cup campaign if they qualify automatically.
England finish their qualifying campaign against Albania on Sunday.
“No red cards please,” he said. “It is important. I’m aware of it and we will talk about it.”
England secured qualification to next year’s tournament with two games to spare and face an Albania side who have guaranteed a place in the play-offs regardless of Sunday’s result.
England have a 100% record with seven wins from seven in qualifying and, when asked if he would rather risk losing the game than getting a player sent off, Tuchel said: “It is an extreme example.
“If he goes in the last man example and if we can avoid it, no red card of course.
“I don’t want to make the subject too big speaking about it because then you have a cloud above you.
“Normally we are not at risk anyway, but if someone has a choice to make, don’t do it.”