Thomas Tuchel admitted he wishes he had chewed on some grass from the pitch at the Estadio Azteca after England’s dramatic victory over Mexico at the 2026 World Cup. That off‑the‑cuff comment is just one of many memorable lines that have been circulating on social media since 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 ultimately saw the Three Lions finish third after a heartbreaking semi‑final loss to Argentina.
The pair review the highs and lows, the tactical tweaks, the emotional moments and the unexpected rituals that helped the squad cope with the pressures of a World Cup hosted across the United States and Canada. One of the most talked‑about matches was the round‑of‑16 clash with Mexico in Mexico City. England played more than half an hour with ten men after a red card, yet they still managed a 3‑2 win. After the final whistle, Tuchel confessed that he sent a text to a friend saying, “I regret that I didn’t eat some grass after the match so I could keep a piece of this experience inside me forever.” The quip quickly became a meme, but it also hinted at the manager’s desire to hold onto the raw intensity of that night.
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 moment Jordan fell and broke his arm,” he explained.
“Within a second every teammate stopped the revelry, formed a protective shield around him, and showed pure empathy. It was a special, almost cinematic moment.” The documentary is set to premiere on Wednesday, September 16, exclusively on the official England app, giving fans a chance to hear the coach’s perspective in his own words. Leading up to the Mexico game, much of the pre‑match conversation centered on the high altitude of the Azteca stadium and the possibility of weather‑related delays.
Indeed, the kickoff was pushed back due to a thunderstorm. Tuchel, however, emphasized that a sense of calm settled over the squad during a joint training session in Mexico City. He credited meditation and a collective focus on “manifestation” for the team’s composure on the day.
“Arriving in the middle of Mexico City felt like stepping into an oasis,” Tuchel recalled. “The pitch was immaculate, the atmosphere was serene, and the players could feel that peace.
After a gym session they walked onto the field, made phone calls, and just absorbed the quiet energy around them.” He went on to describe a mantra the group adopted: “Silence is powerful.” The coach explained that the team deliberately embraced the silence of a hostile stadium, turning it into a source of strength rather than intimidation. “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 insists the journey has forged a stronger bond between him and the players. He expressed excitement about the next steps, noting that England will face reigning champions Spain in the Nations League during the upcoming international break, with the 2028 European Championship looming as the next major tournament.
“Preparing for the Euros will be far less logistically complex than the 2026 World Cup in the United States,” Tuchel said. “The experience in the US gave us a huge connection – it feels like these are my players now. That’s the beauty of it.” He elaborated on how shared triumphs and painful moments create a natural rapport: “When a manager experiences success and setbacks together with his squad, a genuine bond forms.
I’m proud to challenge them, to push them, and to watch them grow.” Looking ahead, Tuchel outlined his short‑term goals. England aims to add ten more competitive fixtures to their calendar, mirroring the ten matches they played in the United States (eight wins, one draw, one painful loss). He believes the team now has the confidence to hold its heads high and approach future challenges with courage and optimism. The coach also praised the evolution of individual players, singling out a young forward who, according to Tuchel, “became one of the tournament’s standout performers.” He described the player’s mentality as that of a machine, thriving under pressure and delivering decisive moments when it mattered most.
“He arrived at camp hungry, fresh, and ready to fight for every minute,” Tuchel said. “His finishing was extraordinary, and his work ethic set a new standard for the whole squad.” Beyond individual accolades, Tuchel reflected on the collective spirit that resonated with fans. He recalled the buzz before the tournament, when supporters were told they would witness the best fans in the world and a team that would give everything on the pitch.
“You could feel it from the first match – the players were sweating, exhausted, but united. The connection with the supporters was authentic, not manufactured. That authenticity is what made the bond so strong.” In summary, the documentary paints a picture of a team that overcame altitude, weather, and the weight of expectation through calm, meditation, and an unwavering sense of camaraderie.
Tuchel’s candid reflections, from the grass‑eating joke to the meditation routine, offer a fresh lens on England’s 2026 World Cup story and set the tone for the challenges that lie ahead in the Nations League and beyond. Play Super 6 for a chance to win £1m! Enter for free.