Thomas Tuchel admitted that, after England’s dramatic victory over Mexico at the World Cup, he wished he had literally eaten some of the grass from the historic Azteca pitch. That off‑beat comment is just one of many memorable moments the England manager shared in the new FA‑produced documentary, "Reflections: England’s World Cup Journey," which has quickly become a talking point across social media platforms. In the film, Tuchel sits down with former England striker and Sky Sports analyst Daniel Sturridge to dissect the three‑month tournament that ended with England securing third place after a semi‑final defeat to Argentina.
The pair revisit key matches, tactical decisions, and the emotional highs and lows that defined the squad’s campaign. One of the most celebrated fixtures was England’s round‑of‑16 clash against the host nation, Mexico, in Mexico City. Despite being reduced to ten men for more than half an hour, England managed a 3‑2 comeback win, a performance that many pundits still cite as the tournament’s standout display of resilience. After the final whistle, Tuchel texted a friend, joking, “I regret that I didn’t eat some grass after the match so I could keep a piece of it inside me forever.” The quip captured his blend of humor and reverence for the unique atmosphere of the Estadio Azteca.
Tuchel also highlighted the unity displayed by his players when midfielder Jordan Henderson suffered a broken arm during the post‑match celebrations. “If you needed proof of how close these lads are, 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 empathy. It was an extraordinary moment of solidarity.” The documentary is set to premiere on Wednesday, September 16, exclusively on the official England app, offering fans a behind‑the‑scenes look at the preparation, mindset, and camaraderie that propelled the team to the latter stages of the competition. Leading up to the Mexico game, much of the pre‑match discourse centred on the high altitude of the Azteca stadium and the possibility of weather‑related delays, which indeed forced a later kickoff. Tuchel revealed that a sense of calm settled over the squad when they trained together in Mexico a few days before the encounter.
He credited meditation and collective visualization for helping the players maintain focus. “Arriving in the middle of Mexico City felt like stepping into an oasis,” Tuchel recalled. “The pitch was immaculate, the surroundings peaceful, and that serenity seeped into the players.
After a gym session they would walk out onto the field, make phone calls, and just absorb the quiet energy. We embraced the mantra ‘silence is powerful.’ We reminded ourselves that we were playing in a hostile environment where the whole nation seemed against us, and that winning there had never been done in a World Cup.
So we chose to relish the silence, to harness its power. On match day we even dedicated five minutes to meditation and visualising the final whistle.” While the FA is currently conducting a formal review of England’s overall World Cup performance, Tuchel expressed optimism about the bonds forged during the tournament and his excitement for the future.
England’s next major test will be a Nations League encounter against reigning world champions Spain during the upcoming international break, with the 2028 European Championship looming as the next big tournament. “Going through the World Cup created a massive bond with these players; they now feel like my own,” Tuchel said. “When a manager experiences both triumphs and painful moments together with his squad, a natural connection forms. I love seeing them, challenging them, pushing them, and I’m proud to be part of their journey.
I’m thrilled about the young talent we can now bring into camp, giving them the chance to learn from the veterans.” He added that preparing for the Euros should be less logistically demanding than the 2026 World Cup, which required extensive travel across the United States. “We played ten matches in the US—eight wins, one draw, one heartbreaking loss. That’s a solid foundation to build on. We have the right to hold our heads high and approach the next challenges with courage and positivity,” Tuchel affirmed.
“Our focus now shifts to the four Nations League matches ahead.” Tuchel also praised the performances of individual players, singling out one forward for his extraordinary commitment and growth. “Since joining Bayern Munich, his level of dedication in training has skyrocketed. He arrives at preparation camps ready to give everything, and his mindset in the dressing room is unmatched. He became one of the tournament’s standout players, not just for England but for the whole competition.
His hunger, his competitive spirit, and his ability to thrive under pressure were evident in every match.” Reflecting on the squad’s overall mentality, Tuchel noted the palpable connection between the team and its supporters. “Fans could feel the intensity. After the final whistle you’d see players collapsing from exhaustion, knowing they’d given everything.
That authenticity isn’t manufactured; it’s genuine and special.” The documentary concludes with a call to action for fans: a chance to enter a free Super 6 competition for a £1 million prize, reinforcing the FA’s effort to keep the excitement alive as England looks ahead to future tournaments. Overall, Tuchel’s candid reflections—ranging from whimsical grass‑eating wishes to profound insights on silence, meditation, and team unity—offer a compelling narrative of a campaign that, despite falling short of the ultimate prize, laid a strong foundation for the next chapter of English football.