Thomas Tuchel won't rule out picking players from outside top flight
England manager Thomas Tuchel says he would never rule out selecting players from outside the top flight if Manchester City face relegation over financial breaches.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
- Thomas Tuchel stated he is open to selecting England players from clubs outside the top division.
- Manchester City were found guilty of breaching Premier League financial rules from 2009-10 to 2017-18.
- Tuchel revealed that City's ongoing disciplinary case is a major topic of discussion within the England camp.
England manager Thomas Tuchel has made it clear that he would never rule out selecting players who compete outside the top flight for their clubs, should Manchester City face relegation as punishment for breaching financial regulations.
On Tuesday, an independent commission officially confirmed that Manchester City were found guilty of all charges relating to breaches of the Premier League's financial rules spanning between the 2009-10 and 2017-18 seasons. The club has vehemently denied the guilt and lodged an appeal against the verdict, arguing that the ruling contained clear material errors concerning law, principle, and fact, making it entirely unsafe.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
While definitive sanctions for City have not yet been determined, potential punishments on the table include expulsion from the league, points deductions, and hefty fines. The current England squad features several players from the Etihad Stadium club, including Elliot Anderson and Marc Guehi, while Nico O'Reilly was also part of the group prior to withdrawing due to an injury.
The prospect of a top-tier national team manager having to plan around a powerhouse club potentially facing relegation highlights an unprecedented regulatory crisis in English football. Tuchel's willingness to look beyond the top division underscores a pragmatic managerial approach that prioritizes overall form and tactical fit for upcoming tournaments over club status alone.
Speaking to the media on Friday in Rijeka, where England are preparing to face Croatia in the Nations League, Tuchel admitted that the ongoing verdict surrounding Manchester City has dominated conversations within the national team setup.
"There is always a possibility. I would always try to pick the best team for the camp, for the occasion, for the tournament."
Thomas Tuchel
All 24 players currently named in the England squad play in top-tier leagues for their respective clubs, and it remains a rare occurrence for a representative of the Three Lions to be picked from outside the top division. Nevertheless, precedents exist as James Trafford was selected in Tuchel's squads back in March and June 2025 while still representing Burnley in the Championship, though he remained an unused substitute. Goalkeeper Sam Johnstone was previously selected while playing for West Brom in the Championship in 2021, and Kalvin Phillips earned his senior England cap before making a single Premier League appearance for Leeds United.
Source: BBC Sport
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