Thomas Tuchel admitted, with a hint of humour, that after England’s dramatic win over Mexico at the 2026 World Cup he wished he had chewed on some of the Azteca stadium’s grass so that a piece of the moment would stay with him forever. That quip is just one of many memorable remarks the England coach made during the FA’s newly released documentary, "Reflections: England's World Cup Journey," which has quickly gone viral on social media. 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 pair revisit key moments, tactical decisions and the emotional highs and lows that defined the tournament for England.
One of the standout memories highlighted in the documentary is the last‑16 clash against Mexico in Mexico City. England endured more than 35 minutes with only ten men after a red card, yet they managed a 3‑2 triumph in a match that will be remembered for its intensity and resilience. After the final whistle, Tuchel texted a friend, joking, "I regret that I didn’t eat some grass after the match to keep something from this in my body forever." The comment captured his blend of light‑heartedness and deep appreciation for the team’s effort.
Tuchel also spoke about the unity displayed when captain Jordan Henderson suffered a broken arm during the post‑match celebrations. "If you needed any proof of how much these players mean to each other, it was the moment Jordan fell and broke his arm," Tuchel explained.
"Within a second every teammate stopped celebrating, formed a protective shield around him, and showed pure empathy. It was incredibly special." The documentary is set to premiere on Wednesday, September 16, exclusively on the official England app, offering fans an intimate look behind the scenes.
Leading up to the Mexico game, much of the pre‑match conversation centred on the high altitude of the Estadio Azteca and the possibility of weather‑related delays, which indeed caused the kickoff to be pushed back. Tuchel described how the squad found a surprising calm when they arrived for a training session in Mexico. He credited meditation and a focus on manifestation for helping the players maintain composure and ultimately secure the win. "In the middle of Mexico City we found an oasis – a peaceful, almost surreal pitch that seemed to quiet our minds," Tuchel recalled.
"The players stepped off the gym onto the field, made phone calls, walked around, and the whole environment felt tranquil. We adopted the mantra ‘silence is powerful.’ We told ourselves to enjoy the quiet, because we were playing in a stadium where the whole nation would be against us.
No team had ever won a World Cup match there before, so we needed that inner peace. We even spent five minutes on match day meditating and visualising the final whistle." The FA is currently conducting a thorough review of England’s World Cup performance, but Tuchel emphasized that the experience forged a strong bond among the players and between him and the squad. He expressed excitement about the next steps, noting that England will face reigning champions Spain in the Nations League during the upcoming international break, with the 2028 European Championship as the next major tournament.
"It created a huge bond with these players – it feels like they are truly my own now. That’s the beauty of it," Tuchel said.
"When a manager shares both triumphs and painful moments with his group, a natural connection forms. I love seeing them, challenging them, pushing them, and I’m proud to be part of that journey." Looking ahead, Tuchel believes preparing for the Euros will be less logistically complex than the 2026 World Cup, which required extensive travel across the United States. "We had ten matches in the US – eight wins, one draw, one painful loss – and that gives us a solid platform to build on," he noted.
"We have the right to hold our heads high, face the next challenges with courage and positivity, and focus on the four upcoming Nations League matches." He also praised the development of a young player who has emerged as a standout talent. "He’s always in training, always eager to improve. Since joining Bayern Munich, his commitment and intensity have reached a new level. His preparation, his speeches after camp, and his leadership in the dressing room are unique.
His finishing is extraordinary." The coach highlighted how this player became one of the tournament’s best performers, not just for England but across the whole competition. "You could see his competitive spirit, his machine‑like drive, and how he thrives under pressure. He loves the big stages and brings out the very best in himself and his teammates." Tuchel reflected on the fans’ role as well, describing a palpable connection between the supporters and the squad. "From the first moment, the fans could feel the team’s dedication.
You could see them sweating, collapsing after the final whistle because they gave everything. That authenticity created a strong, genuine bond – it wasn’t manufactured, it was real." In summary, the documentary offers a candid look at the tactical nuances, emotional moments, and personal anecdotes that defined England’s 2026 World Cup run. Tuchel’s reflections on meditation, unity after Henderson’s injury, and even his whimsical grass‑eating comment provide a fresh perspective on a campaign that will be remembered for both its triumphs and its near‑misses. The film promises to deepen fans’ appreciation of the journey and set the stage for the next chapter in England’s football story.