England manager Thomas Tuchel has said he would still select Manchester City players for international duty even if the club were relegated to the Championship. This stance comes as Millwall Football Club, currently 11th in the Championship with 11 points, prepare for their next fixture away to Preston on 10 October. Tuchel's comments highlight the potential ripple effects of City's ongoing financial case on the entire football pyramid.
Tuchel admitted the situation at the Etihad has been a major talking point within the England camp. He said the players are naturally concerned about their futures. "I think I will always try to pick the best team for the camp, for the occasion, for the tournament," Tuchel stated. "I will never rule out that they don't play in the top flight in their country."
He confirmed the subject is unavoidable among the squad. "We speak about it at dinner and at a table of eight or twelve people," Tuchel added. "Of course, we speak about it at breakfast." The manager described the players' anxiety as a "very human reaction," given their youth and ambition.
For Millwall and their Championship rivals, the prospect of a club of City's stature entering the division would be unprecedented. The Lions' own recent form has been mixed, with their last five results showing one win, two draws, and two defeats. Their most recent outing was a 2-2 draw with West Ham on 19 September, where goals from Caleb Taylor and Camiel Neghli secured a point. Fans can check the full schedule for the season ahead on our fixtures page.
The wider implications for competition integrity and squad strength across the league are significant. While City's potential punishment remains uncertain, Tuchel's policy ensures their international players would remain in the England frame. Millwall's focus remains on improving their league position, which sees them six points behind leaders Swansea. The club's current squad details and statistics are available on our squad and stats pages. Their next challenge is a trip to Deepdale to face Preston this weekend.
Read the full report at The Mirror
