England manager Thomas Tuchel stated he would never rule out selecting players for the national team who compete outside the top flight. This policy remains relevant as Manchester City faces potential sanctions, including expulsion from the Premier League, following an independent commission’s guilty verdict regarding financial rule breaches between 2009 and 2018.
Manchester City is currently appealing the commission's decision, citing material errors of law and fact. The club’s current squad includes England internationals Elliot Anderson and Marc Guehi, whose international eligibility could be impacted if the club is relegated or expelled from the league.
Precedent exists for selecting players from outside the top division. Sam Johnstone represented England while playing for West Brom in the Championship in 2021, and James Trafford received squad call-ups while playing for Burnley in the same division during 2025. Additionally, Kalvin Phillips earned his first England cap while playing for Leeds before his debut in the Premier League.