Tuchel says Manchester City ruling is a ‘Big Topic’ in England camp

City are appealing an independent commission’s findings concerning financial breaches across nine seasons from 2009/10 to 2017/18, alongside three of four charges relating to a failure to cooperate with the investigation.

The club have consistently denied wrongdoing and are seeking to overturn the decision, with the potential consequences generating discussion beyond club football.

Midfielder Elliot Anderson and centre-back Marc Guehi are among City’s representatives in the England squad, while Nico O’Reilly has returned to his club because of injury.

Asked on Friday whether the players had discussed the ruling and whether he had spoken with City’s contingent, Tuchel confirmed that the subject had featured during preparations.

“I suppose so. We have had a break between matches, and this is a big issue.”

“Everyone is already talking about it, so there is no need for another voice. I am glad I am not that voice. Nobody needs my half-knowledge on this subject.”

“Of course, the players talk about it. The Manchester City players talk about it too. We have spoken to them as well, but only briefly. They are ready to play tomorrow. But of course, it is a big topic within the squad.”

Tuchel was also asked whether City players would remain eligible for selection in his England squads if the club were relegated from the Premier League.

The German coach made clear that playing outside the top flight would not automatically end a player’s international prospects.

“There is always that possibility,” he said. “I always try to select the best squad for each camp, each occasion, each tournament. I would never rule that out simply because they are not playing in the top domestic division.”

“We need to look at each case individually.”

England travel to Rijeka sitting second in Group A3 with three points from two matches. They lost 3-2 to Spain at Wembley before responding with a 2-0 victory over the Czech Republic in Prague on Tuesday.

Saturday’s meeting with Croatia will take place behind closed doors following crowd disturbances during Croatia’s Nations League quarter-final against France in March 2025.

Tuchel believes the additional recovery time between fixtures has helped his squad prepare, particularly players who have carried a substantial workload.

“Having three days off between matches has made a huge difference for us, allowing us to look after high-performing players such as Anderson and Gordon, for example,” he said.

The main fitness concern remains O’Reilly, whose discomfort prevented him from staying with the national team.

“Everyone was available for training today apart from O’Reilly, who has to leave the camp for treatment and will return as soon as possible. He is in too much pain to play.”

“Everyone else started and finished today’s training session at a high level.”

With the remaining players available, Tuchel can focus on building on the win in Prague. The discussion surrounding City continues in the background, but his message was clear: England’s immediate task is to secure another positive result against Croatia.