Thomas Tuchel, the England head coach, recently confessed that after the dramatic victory over Mexico at the World Cup, he wished he had "eaten some grass" from the historic Estadio Azteca to keep a piece of that moment forever in his body. That off‑the‑cuff remark is just one of many memorable sound bites that have been highlighted on social media after the Football Association released a new behind‑the‑scenes film titled *Reflections: England's World Cup Journey*.
In the documentary, Tuchel sits down with former England striker and Sky Sports analyst Daniel Sturridge to dissect the three‑month campaign that saw the Three Lions finish third overall, bowing out in the semi‑finals against a talented Argentina side. The pair walk through the highs and lows, from the opening group‑stage fixtures to the heart‑stopping knockout round that cemented England’s reputation as a resilient, modern side. One of the tournament's standout moments came in the round of 16 when England faced the host nation, Mexico, in Mexico City. The match turned into a marathon of endurance, with England playing more than 35 minutes with only ten men after a red card.
Despite the numerical disadvantage, the English side managed to edge out a 3‑2 win, a result that sparked jubilant celebrations and, later, reflective commentary from Tuchel. "I texted a friend after the match and I just wrote, 'I regret that I didn't eat some grass after the match to keep something from this in my body forever'," Tuchel recounted, laughing at his own hyperbole. The comment, while humorous, underscored how deeply the victory resonated with him and the squad.
Beyond the quirky grass comment, Tuchel highlighted the unity displayed by his players when team captain Jordan Henderson suffered a broken arm during the post‑match celebrations. "If you needed any proof of what this meant to the players and how they looked after each other, it was the moment when Jordan fell over and broke his arm," Tuchel explained. He described how, in an instant, every member of the team halted the revelry, formed a protective circle around Henderson, and showed genuine concern – a scene that epitomised the camaraderie that had been forged throughout the tournament.
The documentary is slated for release on Wednesday, September 16, and will be available exclusively through the official England app. It offers fans a rare glimpse into the strategic and psychological preparation that underpinned England’s run. Leading up to the Mexico encounter, much of the media focus centred on the altitude of the Azteca stadium and the possibility of weather‑related delays. Indeed, the kickoff was pushed back due to inclement conditions.
Yet, Tuchel believes that a sense of calm settled over the squad during their pre‑match training sessions in Mexico City. He credited meditation and manifestation exercises with helping the players maintain focus and composure under pressure.
"In the middle of Mexico City we arrived at an oasis – a peaceful, almost surreal pitch. The atmosphere was so tranquil that it seemed to seep into the players," Tuchel said. He described how the team emerged from the gym directly onto the field, engaged in quiet conversation, and absorbed the serene energy surrounding them. The coach elaborated on a mantra the squad adopted: "Silence is powerful." He explained that the team deliberately embraced the quiet before the match, reminding themselves that they were playing on foreign soil, that the entire nation would be watching, and that winning at the Azteca had never been achieved in a World Cup context.
By focusing on the stillness, the players could channel their nerves into determination. "We even set aside five minutes on match day for meditation and visualisation of the final whistle," Tuchel added, emphasizing the mental discipline that complemented the physical preparation. While the FA is currently conducting a thorough review of England's overall World Cup performance, Tuchel expressed optimism about the bonds formed during the campaign and his excitement for upcoming challenges.
England's next major test will be a Nations League fixture against reigning world champions Spain during the forthcoming international break, with the 2028 European Championship looming as the next big tournament. "Preparing for the Euros will be far less complex than the logistical nightmare of the 2026 World Cup in the United States," Tuchel noted. He believes the experience of navigating a trans‑continental tournament has strengthened the squad's cohesion. "It created a huge bond with these players; it feels like they are truly my players now.
That's the beauty of it," he said. Tuchel reflected on the shared journey of triumphs and setbacks, stating that the extensive time spent together forged a natural, authentic connection. He continued, "I'm happy to see them, happy to challenge them, happy to push them, and very proud to be part of their story. I'm very excited to work with these players, to integrate new, younger talent into the camp, and to watch them learn and grow." Looking ahead, Tuchel outlined a roadmap for England's development: "We aim for another ten matches.
In the United States we played ten games – eight wins, one draw, one painful loss – and that's a solid foundation to build upon. We have the right to hold our heads high, to move forward with courage and positivity into the next challenges.
Our focus now is the four Nations League matches coming up." During the documentary, Tuchel also praised individual performances, singling out a forward whose commitment and work ethic he described as "one‑of‑a‑kind." He highlighted the player's relentless training standards, his ability to raise the level of the entire squad, and his clinical finishing, calling him "one of the players of the tournament" not just for England but for the whole competition. The coach painted a vivid picture of the player's mindset: "He arrived at camp fresh, hungry for football, ready to seize every minute. He thrived under pressure, loved the big stages, and consistently delivered his best when it mattered most." Tuchel also reflected on the collective spirit of the team and its supporters. He recalled how fans across the country sensed an intangible connection, describing scenes of supporters sweating, exhausted after the final whistle, yet proud of the effort displayed.
"It wasn't artificial; it was genuine, special, and it forged a deep bond between the players and the fans," he said. In summary, the documentary offers a comprehensive look at England's 2026 World Cup journey, from tactical innovations and mental preparation to moments of raw humanity on the pitch.
It showcases how Tuchel's leadership, combined with the players' dedication, created a memorable chapter in English football history. Play Super 6 for a chance to win £1m! Enter for free.