England manager Thomas Tuchel has addressed questions regarding the future international prospects of Manchester City players should the club face severe sporting penalties. An independent commission recently concluded that Manchester City committed numerous breaches of Premier League financial regulations spanning multiple seasons, though the club maintains its innocence and has formally appealed the decision. While the ultimate disciplinary measures have yet to be determined, potential consequences range from severe points deductions to expulsion from the division entirely.

Speaking to reporters ahead of an upcoming UEFA Nations League fixture against Croatia in Rijeka, Tuchel acknowledged that the ongoing legal and disciplinary proceedings involving Manchester City have become a major talking point within the national team headquarters. The current England setup includes several individuals who play their club football for Manchester City. When questioned about whether a potential relegation for the club would impact international selection, Tuchel indicated that he would remain open to picking players competing outside the top tier.

The England boss explained that his primary objective is always to assemble the strongest possible squad for upcoming matches and tournaments. He emphasized that selection decisions would be evaluated on an individual basis rather than being dismissed solely due to a club playing in a lower division.

Historically, representing the national team while playing outside a country's top division is a rarity. All members of Tuchel's current squad compete in top-flight leagues. Precedents do exist, however, with players occasionally earning call-ups or squad places while turning out for second-tier clubs in recent years.

Tuchel noted that members of the squad have naturally been discussing the situation during their downtime in camp. He added that coaching staff have kept conversations with affected players brief, focusing instead on sporting preparations. According to the manager, the players have demonstrated complete professional focus and remain fully prepared for their upcoming international commitments on the pitch.

Reporting based on coverage first published by BBC Sport. Read the original report at BBC Sport.