Man City scandal a 'big subject' in England squad but players 'ready' for Croatia game, Tuchel says

RIJEKA, Croatia (AP) — England coach Thomas Tuchel acknowledged Friday that Manchester City's financial scandal has become a “big topic” of conversation among his squad during the long international break.

Three players — Elliot Anderson, Marc Guehi and Nico O'Reilly — picked in Tuchel's initial squad play for City, which could be facing severe sanctions after being found guilty by an investigatory panel of more than 100 charges related to breaches of the Premier League's financial rules.

The verdict into the biggest disciplinary case in Premier League history dropped on Tuesday, hours before England's 2-0 win over the Czech Republic in Nations League qualifying.

England still has two more matches to play in the extended camp, starting against Croatia — a team containing City players Josko Gvardiol and Mateo Kovacic — in Rijeka on Saturday.

“We had some time off, and time between the matches — it is a big subject," Tuchel said of the City case. “But everyone speaks about it, there is no other voice needed to add to all this. I am glad to not be that voice. No one needs my half knowledge on the topic.”

Referring to the City contingent in the squad, Tuchel added: "Of course the Man City players talk about it and we talk with them, but only briefly.

"They are ready to go for tomorrow. It’s what they show on the pitch and what they show in camp. But, of course, it’s a big topic in camp.”

O’Reilly left the squad on Thursday because of an unspecified issue and has returned to City.

The City disciplinary case is ongoing, with the club yet to receive a punishment and announcing Friday it has lodged an appeal.

Potential sanctions for City could be a points deduction or, in the worst case, expulsion from the Premier League.

Asked about his stance on picking players for England from outside the Premier League, Tuchel said: “There is always a possibility. I think I would always try to pick the best team for the camp, for the occasion, for the tournament and I will never rule out that they don't play in the top flight in their country.”

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