Thomas Tuchel admitted that after England’s dramatic victory over Mexico at the World Cup, he wished he had chewed some grass from the iconic Azteca pitch to keep a piece of that moment forever. That off‑the‑cuff remark is just one of the many memorable soundbites that have been highlighted on social media after the Football Association released 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 dissect the three‑month campaign that ultimately saw the Three Lions finish third, falling to Argentina in the semi‑finals.
The pair walk through the highs and lows, from the opening group‑stage matches to the emotional climax in the knockout rounds. One of the tournament’s standout moments came in the round‑of‑16 clash against the host nation, Mexico, in Mexico City. England endured more than half an hour with ten men after a red card but still managed a 3‑2 triumph.
After the final whistle, Tuchel texted a friend, writing, “I regret that I didn’t eat some grass after the match to keep something from this in my body forever.” The comment, half‑joking and half‑poetic, captured the surreal nature of playing on the high‑altitude, historic Estadio Azteca. Tuchel also highlighted the unity displayed by his squad when captain Jordan Henderson suffered a broken arm during the post‑match celebrations.
“If you needed any proof of how much these players mean to each other, it was the moment Jordan fell and broke his arm,” Tuchel explained. “Within a second every teammate stopped celebrating, formed a protective shield around him, and showed pure, unfiltered empathy. It was a special, almost cinematic moment.” The documentary is set to premiere on Wednesday, September 16, exclusively on the England app, offering fans a behind‑the‑scenes look at the preparation, tactics, and psychology that underpinned the campaign.
Leading up to the Mexico match, much of the pre‑game narrative focused on the challenges posed by the stadium’s altitude and the possibility of weather‑related delays. Indeed, the kickoff was pushed back due to a sudden storm. Yet Tuchel believes the team found a calm centre when they arrived for a training camp in Mexico. He spoke about how meditation and manifestation sessions helped the squad settle into the hostile environment.
“In the middle of Mexico City, we found an oasis – a surprisingly peaceful pitch that seemed to radiate tranquility,” Tuchel recalled. “The players stepped off the gym and onto the field, took a few deep breaths, made phone calls, walked around, and just absorbed that peaceful energy. We coined the phrase ‘silence is powerful.’ We decided to embrace the quiet, to let it fuel us, because we were about to face an entire nation in a stadium where no team had ever won a World Cup match before.” He added that on match day the squad spent five minutes in guided meditation, visualising the final whistle and the victory they hoped to secure. This mental preparation, he argued, was as important as any tactical drill.
The FA is currently conducting a comprehensive review of England’s World Cup performance, but Tuchel remains optimistic about the bonds forged during the tournament. He expressed excitement for the upcoming Nations League fixtures, where England will meet reigning world champions Spain during the international break, and he hinted that preparing for Euro 2028 will feel less daunting than the logistical marathon of the 2026 World Cup in the United States. “It created a huge bond with these players; it feels like they are truly my team now. That’s the beauty of it,” 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.” He went on to outline his vision for the future: “I’m excited to work with these veterans and also integrate fresh, young talent into the camp.
We’re one step closer to our goals, and I think we’re ready. Preparing a World Cup in the US was incredibly tough, but gearing up for a European Championship and competing in the top tier of the Nations League is entirely within our reach.” Tuchel also praised the commitment of individual players, using a Bayern Munich star as an example. “He’s always in training, always eager to improve.
The level of dedication he shows – from prep camps to qualification matches – is extraordinary. His speeches after October’s camp were electrifying; he stood up in the dressing room and said, ‘Guys, we keep going in November, this is what we do.’ He’s elevated his game and his personality, setting a benchmark for everyone else.” The manager lauded the player’s performance throughout the tournament, calling him one of the best of the competition.
“He lived up to his full potential, a true competitor, a machine who thrives under pressure. He loves these big stages; they bring out the best in him.
He arrived at camp fresh, hungry for football, and seized every minute on the pitch.” Tuchel reflected on the collective spirit of the squad and its supporters. “Everyone told me, ‘Wait until the tournament starts, we’ll have the best fans, we’ll be on top.’ From the first moment, it felt real.
The fans could sense something intangible – the sweat, the exhaustion after the final whistle, the unity. It wasn’t artificial; it was genuine, and that connection made the team special.” Looking ahead, Tuchel emphasized the importance of the upcoming Nations League matches as a platform to fine‑tune the side ahead of Euro 2028. “We have four Nations League games coming up; that’s where our focus lies. We’ll build on the ten matches we played in the US – eight wins, one draw, one painful loss – and use that as a foundation.” In summary, Tuchel’s candid reflections reveal a blend of humor, introspection, and strategic thinking.
From wishing he’d eaten Azteca grass to championing silence and meditation, his insights offer a window into the mental and emotional preparation that underpinned England’s impressive World Cup run. The documentary promises to deliver more of these moments, allowing fans to appreciate the depth of the journey beyond the on‑field results.