Thomas Tuchel recently confessed that, after England’s dramatic victory over Mexico at the World Cup, he wished he had chewed on some grass from the iconic Azteca pitch to keep a piece of that moment forever. This quirky remark is just one of many that have sparked conversation online following the Football Association’s release of 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 revisit the Three Lions’ campaign, which ultimately concluded with a third‑place finish after a heartbreaking semi‑final loss to Argentina. The most memorable match, according to the documentary, was the round‑of‑16 clash against Mexico in Mexico City. England endured more than half an hour with ten men yet still managed a 3‑2 triumph.
“After the game I texted a friend and wrote, ‘I regret I didn’t eat some grass after the match so I could keep a piece of it inside me forever,’” Tuchel recalled, laughing. He used the anecdote to illustrate how the intensity of that night lingered with him long after the final whistle. The coach also highlighted the solidarity displayed by his squad when captain Jordan Henderson suffered a broken arm during the post‑match celebrations. “If you needed proof of how close these players are, watch the moment Jordan fell and broke his arm,” Tuchel said.
“In an instant every single teammate dropped everything, halted the celebrations, formed a protective shield around him, and showed pure, unfiltered empathy. It was a truly special sight.” The documentary is set to premiere on Wednesday, September 16, exclusively via the England app.
Prior to the Mexico match, much of the pre‑game narrative centred on the high altitude of the Estadio Azteca and the threat of weather‑related delays – concerns that proved warranted when kickoff was postponed. Yet Tuchel explained that a sense of calm settled over the group after they trained together in Mexico, attributing part of their success to meditation and the power of intention. "When we arrived in the heart of Mexico City, it felt like an oasis – a peaceful, almost surreal pitch.
The atmosphere was so tranquil that it seemed to affect the players directly," Tuchel described. "They came straight from the gym onto the field, took phone calls, walked around, all while a soothing energy surrounded us." He went on to explain a mantra the squad adopted: “Silence is powerful.” The idea was to embrace the quiet before the roar of a hostile crowd, especially given that England would be playing in a stadium where the entire nation seemed to be against them – a scenario rarely conquered in World Cup history. "We even set aside five minutes on match day for meditation and visualising the final whistle," he added. The FA is currently conducting a thorough review of England’s World Cup performance, but Tuchel remains optimistic, saying the experience has forged a deeper bond with his players and left him eager for what lies ahead.
England’s next challenge will be a Nations League encounter against reigning champions Spain during the upcoming international break, with the 2028 European Championship looming as the next major tournament. Tuchel believes preparing for the Euros will be less logistically demanding than the extensive planning required for the 2026 World Cup.
"The tournament created an enormous connection with these players; it feels as if they are truly my own now. That’s the beauty of it," Tuchel reflected. "When a manager shares both triumphs and painful moments with his squad, you build a natural, unbreakable bond. I’m proud to be part of this journey, to push them, to challenge them, and to welcome fresh talent into the camp so they can learn and grow." He emphasized that England’s record in the United States – ten matches, eight wins, one draw, and one painful loss – provides a solid foundation for future success.
"We have the right to hold our heads high and approach the next challenges with courage and positivity," he asserted, noting that the focus now shifts to the four upcoming Nations League fixtures. Tuchel also praised individual performances, singling out a player whose dedication, training ethic, and on‑field finishing he described as “out of control good.” He recounted how this player arrived at Bayern Munich with a renewed mindset, displaying relentless hunger for football and a willingness to seize every minute on the pitch.
"He was one of the tournament’s standout players, not just for England but for the whole competition," Tuchel said, emphasizing the athlete’s ability to thrive under pressure. The coach concluded by reflecting on the fans’ connection to the team.
"From the moment the tournament began, supporters felt something special – a sense that the players were giving everything, sweating, and collapsing after the final whistle because they were exhausted. That authenticity, that genuine togetherness, is what made the bond so strong.
It was never artificial; it was truly extraordinary." Overall, the documentary paints a vivid picture of a squad that overcame adversity through unity, mindfulness, and a shared belief in the power of silence. As England looks forward to the Nations League and beyond, Tuchel’s words suggest a renewed confidence and an eagerness to build on the lessons learned in Mexico and the United States. Play Super 6 for a chance to win £1m!
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