Thomas Tuchel says Manchester City case is a major topic in England camp before Croatia test

England manager Thomas Tuchel says the Manchester City case is being discussed inside the national team camp, but insists the squad’s focus is now on Saturday’s meeting with Croatia.

England face Croatia in the third round of matches in Group C, with Tuchel acknowledging that the allegations involving Manchester City remain a significant issue for the players.

“It is a big case and everybody is talking about it, so there is no need for another voice,” Tuchel said at his news conference. “I am happy that I am not that voice because nobody needs to know my limited knowledge of the subject.”

Manchester City have been charged with 115 alleged breaches by the Football Association. The charges include 54 relating to allegedly inaccurate financial information, 35 concerning an alleged failure to co-operate with Premier League investigations, and 14 involving the alleged non-disclosure of player and coaching staff remuneration details.

The remaining allegations comprise seven breaches of profitability and sustainability regulations and five breaches connected to UEFA rules.

“The players talk about it, and the Manchester City players talk about it as well,” Tuchel added. “We speak to them about it, but only briefly. They are ready for the game tomorrow, but it is certainly a big case inside the camp.”

Tuchel expects demanding Croatia encounter

Tuchel anticipates a difficult match against a Croatia side he described as a major football nation with a strong sense of national pride.

“We expect a difficult game tomorrow against a big football nation and a proud country with a team full of quality,” he said. “They have a mixture of young players and experienced players, as well as a young coach, and everybody will be ready to give everything for the new manager.”

The England boss expects the fixture to have the feel of a knockout match.

“It feels like a cup game, perhaps a cup semi-final,” he said. “I am a big admirer of the Croatian players. They have great technical quality and they are strong competitors. It promises to be a good game.”

England are second in Group C on three points. The group also contains Spain, Croatia and the Czech Republic, with Spain top of the table.

Tuchel’s side began the campaign with a 3-2 defeat by Spain before responding with a 2-0 victory over the Czech Republic in their second match.