Tuchel refuses to rule out England call-ups from lower divisions

England manager keeps selection door open

Thomas Tuchel says he would not rule out selecting a player who is playing outside the top division, as the fallout from Manchester City’s financial-regulations case becomes a talking point in the England camp.

An independent commission found City guilty of all charges relating to alleged breaches of Premier League financial rules between the 2009-10 and 2017-18 seasons. The club denies wrongdoing and has appealed, arguing that the ruling contains “clear material errors, of law, principle and fact and is unsafe”. No sanction has been announced. Potential penalties include expulsion from the league, a points deduction or a fine.

Asked whether he would consider players outside the top flight if City were relegated, Tuchel 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.”

City case discussed in camp

England are preparing to face Croatia in Rijeka in the Nations League. The current squad includes City players Elliot Anderson and Marc Guehi; Nico O'Reilly had been with the group before leaving with an injury.

Tuchel described the verdict as a “big subject” among the players, but said he did not want to comment on a case about which he had limited knowledge. “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.”

He added that City players and other members of the squad had discussed the matter, but only briefly, and said the players were ready for the match.

Recent Championship selections

Selection from outside the top division remains unusual for England. James Trafford was included in Tuchel’s squads while playing for Championship side Burnley in March and June 2025, but did not feature and won his first full cap after returning to Manchester City. Sam Johnstone was the last player to represent England while playing in the Championship, turning out for West Brom in 2021. Kalvin Phillips made his England debut while at Leeds before he had played in the Premier League.