Tuchel open to picking players outside Premier League for England

England manager Thomas Tuchel says he would not rule out selecting players who are playing outside the top flight for their clubs, amid uncertainty over potential sanctions facing Manchester City.

An independent commission recently found Manchester City guilty of breaching the Premier League’s financial regulations relating to the period between the 2009-10 and 2017-18 seasons.

The club has denied the allegations and appealed against the verdict.

Possible sanctions could include a points deduction, fines or expulsion from the Premier League, although no punishment has yet been decided.

As reported by BBC Sport on Friday, speaking ahead of England’s Nations League match against Croatia, Tuchel said a player’s league status would not automatically prevent him from being selected for the national team.

“There is always a possibility,” Tuchel said.

“I would always try to pick the best team for the camp, for the occasion, for the tournament.

“I will never rule out that because they don’t play in the top flight in their country. We need to look at it case by case.”

All 24 players in Tuchel’s current England squad play in top divisions for their clubs, although there have been previous exceptions.

James Trafford was included in Tuchel’s squads in March and June 2025 while playing for Championship side Burnley, although he did not make his England debut until he returned to Manchester City.

Sam Johnstone was the last player to win an England cap while playing in the Championship, representing West Bromwich Albion in 2021. Kalvin Phillips also made his England debut while playing for Leeds before the club had returned to the Premier League.

Tuchel also acknowledged that Manchester City’s financial case had been a major topic of discussion within the England camp.

“We had some time off between the matches and it is a big subject. Everyone speaks about it, so there is no other voice needed,” he said.

“I am glad to be not that voice. No-one needs my half knowledge on the topic.”

Tuchel said the City players in the squad had discussed the matter but that the issue had not distracted them from their international duties.

“Of course, the players talk about it. City players talk about it. We talk with them but only briefly,” he said.

“They are ready to go tomorrow, that’s what they show on the pitch and in camp. But of course, it’s a big topic in the camp.”

England are preparing to face Croatia in the Nations League in Rijeka.