Thomas Tuchel admitted that, after England’s dramatic victory over Mexico at the World Cup, he wished he had literally eaten some grass from the Azteca stadium to keep a piece of the experience forever etched in his body. That off‑beat comment is just one of many memorable sound bites that have been circulating on social media since the Football Association released a new documentary titled *Reflections: England’s World Cup Journey*. In the film, Tuchel sits down with former England forward and Sky Sports analyst Daniel Sturridge to dissect the three‑month campaign that ultimately saw England finish third after a heartbreaking semi‑final loss to Argentina.
The pair walk through each stage of the tournament, from the group‑stage triumphs to the nail‑biting knockout rounds, providing insight into the tactical adjustments, emotional highs, and occasional missteps that defined the English side’s run. One of the standout moments of the competition came in the round of 16, when England travelled to Mexico City to face the host nation. The match turned into a marathon of drama: the Three Lions played more than half an hour with ten men after a red card, yet they managed to edge out Mexico 3‑2 in a pulsating encounter.
After the final whistle, Tuchel confessed that he texted a friend and wrote, “I regret that I didn’t eat some grass after the match to keep something from this in my body forever.” The hyperbolic remark captured the surreal feeling of triumph in an environment that felt almost mythic. Tuchel also highlighted the extraordinary camaraderie displayed by the squad during the post‑match celebrations, especially when captain Jordan Henderson slipped and broke his arm. “If you needed any proof of how united these players are, it was the moment Jordan fell and broke his arm,” Tuchel said.
“Within a second, every single teammate dropped what they were doing, stopped the celebrations, formed a protective shield around him, and showed pure empathy. It was a truly special moment.” The documentary is set to premiere on Wednesday, September 16, exclusively on the England app, giving fans a behind‑the‑scenes look at the emotional and tactical journey that led to a third‑place finish. Ahead of the Mexico match, much of the pre‑game narrative focused on the altitude of the iconic Estadio Azteca and the possibility of weather‑related delays, which indeed materialised when kickoff was pushed back. Despite those logistical challenges, Tuchel noted that a sense of calm settled over the group during a training session in Mexico.
He explained that meditation and visualization exercises played a crucial role in preparing the players for the high‑pressure environment. "In the middle of Mexico City we arrived at an oasis – a peaceful, almost surreal pitch that seemed to radiate calm," Tuchel recalled. "The players stepped off the gym and onto the field, took a few deep breaths, made phone calls, walked around, and just absorbed the tranquil energy. We coined the phrase ‘silence is powerful.’ We told the squad to embrace the quiet, because we were about to face an entire nation in a stadium where no team had ever won a World Cup match before.
The silence became our weapon. On match day we even dedicated five minutes to meditation and visualising the final whistle." The FA is currently conducting a comprehensive review of England’s World Cup performance, but Tuchel remains optimistic about the lasting impact of the tournament on the squad. He believes the experience has forged a stronger bond between him and the players, and he is "excited" about the next steps. Looking ahead, England will meet reigning champions Spain in the Nations League during the upcoming international break, with the 2028 European Championship looming as the next major test.
Tuchel argues that preparing for the Euros will be less logistically demanding than the trans‑Atlantic planning required for the 2026 World Cup. "The World Cup in the United States forced us to travel, adjust to time zones, and manage a grueling schedule. Preparing for a European tournament will be more straightforward, especially when we can use the Nations League as a high‑quality preparation platform," he explained.
"We’ve already logged ten matches in the U.S.: eight wins, one draw, one painful loss. Those results give us a solid foundation to build on." Tuchel also praised the commitment and evolution of individual players, using the example of a Bayern Munich forward who has become a model of professionalism. He described the player’s training ethic, his readiness to lead in camp, and his ability to deliver under pressure as "out of this world." "He was one of the players of the tournament, not just for England but for the whole competition," Tuchel said.
"His mindset, physical preparation, and hunger for minutes were evident from day one. He thrived on pressure, loved the big stages, and consistently performed at his peak." The manager also reflected on the fans’ connection to the team, noting that supporters could feel the unity and determination on the pitch. "People could sense that the squad was giving everything, sweating, and sometimes collapsing after the final whistle because they were so exhausted.
That authenticity created a genuine bond between the team and the fans, something that cannot be fabricated." In summary, Tuchel’s reflections paint a picture of a squad that grew together through triumphs, setbacks, and shared moments of humanity. The documentary offers a window into those experiences, showcasing how meditation, silence, and a simple wish to eat grass can become symbolic of a larger narrative about resilience, unity, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. Fans are encouraged to watch the documentary on the England app and to participate in the ongoing Super 6 competition, where they can enter for free for a chance to win £1 million.