England boss Thomas Tuchel says he would “never rule out” selecting someone who is playing outside the top flight for their club, should Manchester City be relegated as punishment for breaching financial regulations.
On Tuesday, it was confirmed that City had been found guilty by an independent commission of all charges relating to breaches of the Premier League’s financial rules between the 2009-10 and 2017-18 seasons.
The club, which denies guilt, has appealed against the verdict, saying the ruling contained “clear material errors, of law, principle and fact and is unsafe”.
The sanctions for City have not yet been decided but potential punishments include expulsion from the league, points deductions and fines.
The current England squad includes City players Elliot Anderson and Marc Guehi, while Nico O’Reilly was in the group until he left with an injury.
England are preparing to play Croatia in the Nations League in Rijeka on Saturday (17:00 BST).
Speaking to the media on Friday, Tuchel said the City verdict was a “big subject” in the England camp.
Asked if he would select players not playing in the top flight, the manager said: “There is always a possibility.
“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 the current England squad play in top leagues for their clubs and it is very unusual for a player to represent the Three Lions if they are not in a top division.
However, James Trafford was in Tuchel squads in March and June 2025 while still in the Championship with Burnley, but he was an unused substitute on those occasions and did not win a full cap until he returned to Manchester City.
Goalkeeper Sam Johnstone was the last player to represent England while playing in the Championship, for West Brom in 2021, while Kalvin Phillips – then at Leeds – made his debut for England before he had played in the Premier League.
Asked about his players discussing the City verdict, Tuchel said: “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
“I am glad to be not that voice. No-one needs my half knowledge on the topic.
“Of course, the players talk about it. City players talk about it. We talk with them but only briefly.
“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.”