Tuchel open to choosing players from lower leagues for England

England manager Thomas Tuchel says he is open to picking players from outside the top flight for their clubs. This comes as Manchester City faces uncertainty over possible sanctions.

An independent commission recently found Manchester City guilty of breaking the Premier League’s financial rules from the 2009-10 to 2017-18 seasons.

The club has denied these claims and has appealed the decision.

Possible punishments could include losing points, fines, or even being kicked out of the Premier League, but no punishment has been set yet.

According to BBC Sport on Friday, ahead of England’s Nations League match against Croatia, Tuchel said a player's league status won't automatically stop him from being picked 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."

All 24 players in Tuchel’s current England squad play in top divisions for their clubs, but there have been exceptions in the past.

James Trafford was called up to Tuchel’s squads in March and June 2025 while he was with Championship side Burnley, though he did not make his England debut until he returned to Manchester City.

Sam Johnstone was the last player to earn an England cap while playing in the Championship. He represented West Bromwich Albion in 2021. Kalvin Phillips also made his England debut while playing for Leeds before the club returned to the Premier League.

Tuchel also noted that Manchester City’s financial case has been a hot topic in the England camp.

"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."

Tuchel mentioned that the City players in the squad have talked about the issue, but it has not taken their focus away from international duties.

"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."

England is getting ready to face Croatia in the Nations League in Rijeka.