England manager Thomas Tuchel says he will not rule out selecting players who are playing outside the Premier League, amid uncertainty over possible sanctions facing Manchester City.
Speaking ahead of England’s Nations League clash with Croatia in Rijeka, Tuchel said a player’s league status would not automatically determine whether he could be 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.”
The comments come after an independent commission found Manchester City guilty of serious breaches of Premier League financial rules covering the 2009/10 to 2017/18 seasons.
The Premier League said the commission found City guilty of all charges relating to the nine-season period, as well as most charges concerning the club’s cooperation with the league’s investigation.
City has appealed the findings, with the Premier League confirming on Friday that the club had formally lodged its appeal.
No sanction has yet been imposed. The league said a separate process would determine the punishment, with possible measures including fines, points deductions and other sporting sanctions.
The uncertainty has become a major topic in the England camp because several Manchester City players are regular members of Tuchel’s squad.
The German coach acknowledged that the players had discussed the case but said it had not distracted them from their international responsibilities.
“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.”
Tuchel also made clear that he did not want to speculate about a case he was not directly involved in.
“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.”
All 24 players in Tuchel’s current England squad play in top divisions for their clubs, but there have been previous exceptions.
James Trafford was selected by Tuchel while playing for Championship club Burnley in 2025, although he did not make his England debut until returning 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 United before the club returned to the Premier League.
Tuchel’s comments leave the door open for players outside England’s top flight to remain eligible for selection based on their individual circumstances and performances.
England are preparing to face Croatia in their Nations League fixture in Rijeka.
