Thomas Tuchel admitted that after England’s dramatic triumph over Mexico at the World Cup, he wished he had literally eaten some of the grass from the iconic Estadio Azteca. The comment is just one of many memorable sound‑bites that have been circulating online since the Football Association released a new behind‑the‑scenes film titled “Reflections: England’s World Cup Journey.” In the documentary, the German‑born manager sits down with former England forward and Sky Sports analyst Daniel Sturridge to dissect the three‑month adventure that saw England finish in third place after a hard‑fought semi‑final loss to Argentina. The pair reminisce about the highs and lows, the tactical adjustments, and the moments that forged a deep bond among the squad. One of the standout episodes of the tournament was the round‑of‑16 clash with Mexico in Mexico City.
England endured more than half an hour with ten men after a red card, yet they managed to edge the hosts 3‑2. After the final whistle, Tuchel sent a text to a friend that read, “I regret I didn’t eat some of the grass after the match so I could keep a piece of this forever in my body.” The hyperbolic remark captured the surreal feeling of triumph in a hostile, high‑altitude arena.
Tuchel also highlighted the unity displayed when captain Jordan Henderson slipped and broke his arm during the post‑match celebrations. “If you needed proof of how much these players care for each other, it was the instant they all dropped what they were doing, formed a protective shield around Jordan, and showed genuine empathy,” he explained. The scene, captured on camera, underscored the camaraderie that had developed over weeks of training and competition.
The documentary is set to premiere on Wednesday, September 16, exclusively on the official England app. It arrives at a time when the FA is conducting a comprehensive review of the World Cup campaign, evaluating everything from tactical choices to player welfare.
Leading up to the Mexico game, pundits had warned about the challenges posed by the Azteca’s altitude—over 2,200 metres above sea level—and the possibility of weather‑related delays, which indeed materialised when kick‑off was pushed back. Tuchel, however, said the team found a surprising sense of calm during their pre‑match training session in the city. He described the environment as an "oasis" where the pitch felt "unbelievably peaceful," and he credited meditation and manifestation techniques for helping the players focus.
“We arrived in the middle of Mexico City and it felt like an oasis,” Tuchel recalled. “The pitch was calm, the atmosphere was tranquil, and that serenity transferred to the squad. After a gym session, the players stepped onto the field, made phone calls, walked around, and the whole vibe was just peaceful.” He went on to explain a mantra the team adopted: “Silence is powerful.” The players were encouraged to relish the quiet before the roar of the stadium, to imagine the entire nation turning against them, and to use that mental picture as fuel.
On match day they even set aside five minutes for guided meditation and a visualization of the final whistle. Looking ahead, Tuchel expressed optimism about the next phase of England’s journey. The team will meet reigning world champions Spain in the Nations League during the upcoming international break, with the 2028 European Championship looming as the next major tournament.
He believes that preparing for a continental competition will be less logistically complex than the trans‑Atlantic effort required for the 2026 World Cup. “It created a huge bond with these players; it feels like they are truly my men now,” he said. “When a manager experiences both success and painful moments with his squad, you forge a natural connection.
I love seeing them, challenging them, pushing them, and I’m proud to be part of that process.” Tuchel also praised the emerging talent within the group, noting that the squad now has a blend of experienced veterans and hungry youngsters ready to learn. He highlighted the impressive record the team amassed in the United States: ten matches, eight wins, one draw, and a single painful loss. Those results, he argued, provide a solid foundation for future campaigns. “The target is to add another ten matches,” he explained.
“We had ten games in the US, and now we have four Nations League fixtures coming up. That’s where our focus lies.” In a separate segment of the film, Tuchel turned his attention to a particular player—identified only as a Bayern Munich star—who has elevated his performance and attitude since joining the national side. Tuchel praised the player’s commitment in training, his leadership in the dressing room, and his clinical finishing, calling him "one of the players of the tournament" not just for England but for the whole competition.
He described the player as a “machine” who thrives under pressure, arrives at camps hungry for minutes, and consistently decides matches in England’s favor. This testimonial serves as a micro‑cosm of the broader narrative: a squad that has learned to trust each other, to embrace adversity, and to celebrate collective effort. Fans, too, have felt the intensity of this unity.
Tuchel recalled the atmosphere surrounding the tournament, saying that supporters could sense the team’s dedication even if they couldn’t articulate it. “You could see them sweating, collapsing after the final whistle because they gave everything,” he said. “That authenticity forged a connection that was not artificial—it was genuinely special.” As the documentary wraps up, the message is clear: England’s World Cup run, though falling short of the ultimate prize, has laid a strong psychological and tactical groundwork for the years ahead. The blend of meditation, camaraderie, and a willingness to push boundaries has left a lasting imprint on both players and coaching staff.
The film invites viewers to relive those moments, understand the mental preparation behind them, and glimpse the future direction of the Three Lions. It also includes a promotional note encouraging fans to join a "Super 6" competition for a chance to win £1 million, reinforcing the FA’s ongoing engagement with its supporter base.
Overall, Tuchel’s reflections paint a picture of a team that grew together under pressure, learned to harness silence and mindfulness, and emerged with a renewed sense of purpose—ready to face the next challenges, whether in the Nations League, the Euros, or future World Cups.