England manager Thomas Tuchel has stated he would "never rule out" calling up a player who is no longer competing in the top flight — a remark that takes on added significance following Manchester City's landmark guilty verdict on financial regulation breaches.

On Tuesday, an independent commission found City guilty on all charges relating to violations of Premier League financial rules covering the 2009-10 through 2017-18 seasons. The club has denied the charges and lodged an appeal, arguing the ruling contains "clear material errors, of law, principle and fact and is unsafe."

Sanctions have yet to be determined, but the range of potential punishments includes expulsion from the Premier League, points deductions, and fines. Relegation remains a possibility, which prompted questions about the future availability of City's England internationals.

Tuchel's position on non-top-flight players

Speaking to reporters on Friday, ahead of England's Nations League fixture against Croatia in Rijeka on Saturday, Tuchel acknowledged the verdict had become "a big subject" inside the England camp.

"I would always try to pick the best team for the camp, for the occasion, for the tournament," he said. "I will never rule out [a player] because they don't play in the top flight in their country. We need to look at it case by case."

The current England squad features City players Elliot Anderson and Marc Guehi, with Nico O'Reilly having departed the camp due to injury. All 24 members of the squad currently represent clubs in top European leagues.

Historical precedent

It is rare, though not without precedent, for England to call upon players outside the Premier League. Goalkeeper James Trafford featured in Tuchel's squads in March and June 2025 while still at Burnley in the Championship, though he did not earn a full cap until after returning to Manchester City.

Goalkeeper Sam Johnstone was the most recent player to earn a full England cap while playing in the Championship, representing West Brom in 2021. Before that, Kalvin Phillips made his England debut while at Leeds, ahead of the club's promotion back to the Premier League.

City verdict dominates camp conversation

Tuchel was candid about the topic's presence in the squad's daily conversations. "We had some time off between the matches and it is a big subject. Everyone speaks about it," he said. "I am glad to not be that voice — no-one needs my half knowledge on the topic."

He confirmed that City's players within the England setup had been talking about the ruling, adding: "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."

England face Croatia in the Nations League in Rijeka on Saturday at 17:00 BST.