Thomas Tuchel recently confessed that, after England’s dramatic 3-2 victory over Mexico at the 2026 World Cup, he wished he had taken a bite of the grass on the historic Azteca pitch so that a piece of that moment would stay with him forever. The comment is just one of many memorable remarks the England manager made in the freshly released FA documentary, "Reflections: England's World Cup Journey," which premiered on the England app on September 16. In the film, Tuchel sits down with former England striker and Sky Sports analyst Daniel Sturridge to dissect the three‑month campaign that ended with a third‑place finish after a semi‑final loss to Argentina.
The pair revisit the tournament’s high points, low points, and the odd moments that have become part of the squad’s collective memory. One of the standout episodes of the tournament was the round‑of‑16 clash in Mexico City, where England endured a grueling 35‑minute spell with ten men before edging out the host nation 3-2. 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 quip captured both the surreal atmosphere of playing at the iconic Estadio Azteca and the manager’s habit of turning a simple observation into a lasting anecdote.
Tuchel also highlighted the extraordinary solidarity the players displayed when captain Jordan Henderson suffered a broken arm during the post‑match celebrations. "If you needed any proof of how much these lads mean to each other, it was the moment Jordan fell and broke his arm," Tuchel explained. "Within seconds every single player dropped what they were doing, formed a protective shield around him, and showed pure, unfiltered empathy.
It was a moment that defined our unity." Beyond the on‑field drama, the documentary sheds light on the mental preparation that underpinned England’s success in Mexico. The altitude of the Azteca stadium had been a major talking point in the weeks leading up to the game, and the kickoff was even delayed because of weather concerns. Tuchel revealed that a calm settled over the squad during a training session in Mexico, thanks in part to a regimen of meditation and what he called "manifestation." "We arrived in the middle of Mexico City and found an oasis – a peaceful, almost otherworldly pitch that seemed to quiet the noise inside our heads," Tuchel said.
"The players walked out of the gym onto the field, made phone calls, strolled around, and the whole environment felt incredibly serene. We embraced the idea that 'silence is powerful.' We told ourselves to relish the quiet, even though we were about to face a stadium filled with a nation that would be screaming against us. No team had ever won a World Cup match there, so we decided to use the stillness as a weapon." The manager added that the squad spent five minutes on match day engaged in meditation and visualisation, focusing on the final whistle and the victory they hoped to secure. He believes that this mental discipline helped the players maintain composure during the physically demanding match against Mexico.
Looking ahead, Tuchel acknowledged that the FA is currently conducting a thorough review of the World Cup campaign. Nevertheless, he expressed optimism about the future, noting that the experience has forged a deep bond between him and the players.
"It feels like these are my players now," he said. "When you share success and painful moments together, you create a natural connection that goes beyond tactics. I’m excited to keep working with this group, to challenge them, to push them, and to bring in fresh, young talent that can learn from the veterans." England’s next test will be a Nations League encounter with reigning champions Spain during the upcoming international break, a match that will serve as a stepping stone toward the 2028 European Championship. Tuchel believes preparing for a continental tournament will be less logistically complex than the trans‑Atlantic effort required for the 2026 World Cup.
"We’ve already played ten matches in the United States – eight wins, one draw, one painful loss – and that gives us a solid foundation," he explained. "Our target is to add another ten matches, keep our heads high, and approach the next challenges with courage and positivity." The documentary also features a glowing tribute to one of England’s standout performers, whose relentless work ethic and competitive spirit earned him the nickname "machine" among teammates. Tuchel praised the player’s dedication, noting how he arrived at training camps with a hunger for minutes and a mindset that thrived under pressure. "He was one of the players of the tournament, not just for England but for the whole competition," Tuchel said.
"His preparation, his mental sharpness, and his finishing ability were simply out of this world." Fans, too, play a pivotal role in the narrative. Tuchel recalled the electric atmosphere surrounding the squad, describing how supporters could sense the team’s unity and determination even before a single kick was taken. "People could feel that this team was together, that they gave everything, that they were sweating, that after the whistle they were exhausted but proud," he reflected. "That authenticity is what forged the strong connection with the fans.
It wasn’t manufactured; it was genuine." In summary, the FA’s documentary offers a comprehensive look at England’s 2026 World Cup journey, blending tactical analysis, personal anecdotes, and insights into the psychological tools that helped the team navigate a challenging tournament. From Tuchel’s whimsical grass‑eating comment to the heartfelt moments of solidarity after Henderson’s injury, the film paints a picture of a side that grew together, learned from adversity, and emerged ready to tackle the next chapter of international football. The documentary is now available exclusively on the England app, inviting supporters to relive the highs and lows of the campaign and to glimpse the mindset that will shape England’s future endeavors on the global stage.