Tuchel refuses to rule out picking relegated Manchester City stars for England

Thomas Tuchel has refused to rule out calling up Manchester City players for England regardless of which division the club compete in, after the six-time Premier League champions were found guilty by an independent commission of breaking the league’s financial rules over a nine-year period.

The commission’s findings referenced “arranged ‘sham’ contracts” that “concealed the true state of [the club’s] finances”, sending shockwaves through English football and raising the prospect of City being expelled from the Premier League entirely. Tuchel, however, suggested the verdict changes little in terms of his selection thinking.

“There is always a possibility,” the England manager said when asked whether he would pick players competing in the Championship. “I would always try to pick the best team for the camp, occasion, 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.”

England are currently preparing to face Croatia in a behind-closed-doors fixture, with two City players — Marc Guehi and Elliot Anderson — included in the squad. Nico O’Reilly was also called up but withdrew through injury. All three were selected on the back of City registering five wins from their opening five league games of the season under Enzo Maresca.

Tuchel, who has previously managed against City as head coach of both Bayern Munich and Chelsea, acknowledged the verdict has become a dominant topic inside the England camp, though he was careful to keep his own views measured.

“Everyone speaks about it, so there is no other voice needed,” the 53-year-old said. “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. But of course, it’s a big topic in the camp.”

Manchester City return to Premier League action with a trip to Liverpool once the international break concludes.