Thomas Tuchel: Man City Charges a Major Talking Point in England Camp

The Manchester City storm continues to send shockwaves through English football, and it has now reached the national team. Thomas Tuchel admitted on Friday that the club's conviction on most charges brought against it by the Premier League has become a major topic of conversation in the England camp ahead of the UEFA Nations League match against Croatia.

"We had a bit of downtime between games and it is a massive topic," Tuchel said. "Everyone is talking about it, so you don't need another voice. I'm happy I'm not that voice. Nobody needs my half-knowledge on the subject."

The manager added that the issue is naturally occupying the Manchester City players currently in the squad: "Of course the players are talking about it. City players are talking about it. We speak with them, but only briefly. They are ready for tomorrow, but of course, it is a big subject in camp."

Elliot Anderson and Marc Guéhi are the two City representatives in the current England squad, while Nico O'Reilly was released earlier this week and returned to the club for medical checks following an injury.

Tuchel was also asked if he would continue to select City players in the event that the club's appeal is rejected and they are relegated from the Premier League. His answer was clear: "I will always try to pick the best team for the camp, the event, or the tournament. I would never rule it out just because they are not playing in the top division of their country. We will have to evaluate each case on its merits."

Earlier on Friday, Manchester City confirmed that they have formally lodged an appeal against the independent commission's decision. In a statement, the club argued that the ruling contains "material and obvious errors in law, principle, and facts," and emphasized that they maintain their innocence.