Thomas Tuchel recently confessed that, after England’s dramatic win over Mexico at the World Cup, he wished he had literally eaten some of the grass from the historic Azteca pitch. The remark is just one of many memorable sound bites that have been circulating online since the Football Association released a new documentary titled *Reflections: England’s World Cup Journey*. In the film, Tuchel sits down with former England striker and Sky Sports analyst Daniel Sturridge to dissect the three‑month campaign that ultimately saw the Three Lions finish third after a heartbreaking semi‑final loss to Argentina.
The standout moment of England’s tournament, according to most observers, was the last‑16 clash in Mexico City. England played more than half an hour with ten men yet still managed a 3‑2 victory over the host nation.
After the final whistle, Tuchel sent a text to a friend that read, “I regret that I didn’t eat some grass after the match so I could keep a piece of this forever.” The quirky comment encapsulated the surreal feeling of triumph in a stadium perched at 2,240 metres above sea level. Tuchel also highlighted the extraordinary camaraderie displayed when captain Jordan Henderson broke his arm during the post‑match celebrations.
“If you needed proof of how united the squad was, it was the instant when Jordan fell and his arm snapped,” the manager explained. “Every single player dropped what they were doing, formed a protective shield around him, and showed genuine empathy. It was a moment that defined our character.” The documentary is set to debut on Wednesday, September 16, exclusively on the England app.
Leading up to the Mexico encounter, much of the media narrative centered on the altitude of Estadio Azteca and the likelihood of weather‑related delays – concerns that proved well‑founded when the kickoff was pushed back. Tuchel, however, insisted that a sense of calm settled over the group after a joint training session in Mexico, where meditation and visualization exercises played a key role in the team’s preparation.
"In the middle of Mexico City we found an oasis – a tranquil, almost surreal pitch that seemed to radiate peace," Tuchel recalled. "The players left the gym and stepped onto the field, phones in hand, simply absorbing the stillness. We coined the phrase ‘silence is powerful.’ We told the squad to relish that quiet, because we were about to face an entire nation in a stadium where no team had ever won a World Cup match." He went on to describe how the squad spent five minutes on match day engaged in meditation and a collective manifestation of victory, visualising the final whistle and the jubilation that would follow. This mental conditioning, according to Tuchel, helped the players maintain focus amid the intense pressure of a hostile environment.
The FA is currently conducting a comprehensive review of England’s World Cup performance, but Tuchel remains optimistic about the bonds forged during the tournament. He expressed excitement about the team’s next steps, noting that 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.
"The experience created a massive bond with these players – they truly feel like my own," Tuchel said. "When a manager shares both triumphs and painful moments with his squad, a natural connection develops.
I’m proud to challenge them, to push them, and to watch the younger talents integrate into the camp and learn from the veterans." Looking ahead, Tuchel believes preparing for the Euros will be less logistically demanding than the trans‑Atlantic planning required for the 2026 World Cup. "We played ten matches in the United States – eight wins, one draw, one painful loss – and that gives us a solid foundation," he noted. "Our target now is to add another ten fixtures, build on what we’ve achieved, and approach the next challenges with courage and positivity." He also praised the commitment of individual players, singling out a Bayern Munich forward for his extraordinary work ethic.
"He shows up for every training session, drives the standards higher, and his finishing is simply out of this world," Tuchel observed. "He was one of the tournament’s standout players, not just for England but for the whole competition. His mindset, physical preparation, and hunger for minutes were evident from day one." Tuchel emphasized that the squad’s success was not a product of hype but of genuine unity. "Fans could feel it – the sweat, the exhaustion after every whistle, the collective belief that we were in this together," he said.
"That authenticity forged a strong connection between the team and its supporters, something that can’t be manufactured." In summary, the documentary offers a candid look at the tactical decisions, emotional moments, and unconventional practices – from grass‑eating jokes to meditation rituals – that shaped England’s World Cup journey. As the team turns its focus to the Nations League and the forthcoming Euro qualifiers, Tuchel’s enthusiasm suggests that the lessons learned in Mexico will continue to influence England’s approach to future tournaments. Play Super 6 for a chance to win £1m!
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