England boss Thomas Tuchel says he would "never rule out" selecting someone who is not playing in the top flight, should Manchester City be relegated. Speaking ahead of England's Nations League match against Croatia in Rijeka on Saturday, Tuchel said the City verdict was a "big subject" in the England camp.
Asked if he would select players not playing in the top flight, the manager said: "There is always a possibility. 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 the current England squad play in top leagues. James Trafford was in Tuchel squads in March and June 2025 while still in the Championship with Burnley, but he was an unused substitute. Goalkeeper Sam Johnstone was the last player to represent England while playing in the Championship, for West Brom in 2021.
Asked about his players discussing the City verdict, Tuchel said: "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. 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, that's what they show on the pitch and in camp. But of course, it's a big topic in the camp."
Source: BBC Sport Football · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing