Posted by Chinenye on Fri 02nd Oct, 2026 - tori.ng
The situation surrounding Manchester City has become a major topic among England players ahead of their next match.
(Thomas Tuchel. Photo Credit: YabaLeftOnline)
An independent commission's findings, announced earlier this week, have sent shockwaves through English football.
Manchester City, the dominant Premier League force over the past 15 years, face severe sanctions that could include expulsion from the top division.
City deny wrongdoing and lodged an appeal against the ruling on Friday.
England coach Thomas Tuchel said the subject is big in camp.
Speaking at his pre-match press conference on Friday, he said the players talk about it, including the City players, and that the coaching staff speak to them only briefly.
He said the players are ready for tomorrow, which is what they show on the pitch and in camp.
Marc Guehi and Elliott Anderson are the only two City players left in Tuchel's squad for the Nations League match in Rijeka, after Nico O'Reilly withdrew with an injury.
Unless City overturn the decision, they are likely to face at least a points deduction, which would threaten their place in the Premier League.
Tuchel was asked if City players would still be in his plans if they were playing regularly in the lower divisions.
He said there is always a possibility, that he will always try to pick the best team for the occasion and that he will never rule out players who are not in the top flight of their country.
He said each case will be looked at on its own.
England's clash with Croatia will be played behind closed doors and is their third of four Nations League games in this international window.
The Three Lions lost 3-2 at home to world champions Spain last weekend, then bounced back to beat the Czech Republic 2-0 on Tuesday.