Thomas Tuchel admitted 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 the experience forever. This off‑hand comment is just one of many memorable lines that have sparked conversation online since the Football Association released a new documentary titled *Reflections: England’s World Cup Journey*.
In the film, the England manager sits down with former England striker and Sky Sports analyst Daniel Sturridge to review the team’s campaign, which ultimately concluded with a third‑place finish after a semi‑final loss to Argentina. The documentary offers a behind‑the‑scenes look at the highs and lows of the tournament, from the tactical battles to the emotional moments that defined the squad’s character. One of the tournament’s standout performances came in the round‑of‑16 clash against Mexico in Mexico City. England endured more than half an hour with ten men but still managed a 3‑2 triumph.
After the final whistle, Tuchel sent a text to a friend that read, “I regret I didn’t eat some grass after the match to keep something of this in my body forever.” The quirky remark captured the surreal feeling of playing on the historic Estadio Azteca and the desire to hold onto that unique atmosphere. Tuchel also highlighted the unity displayed by his players when captain Jordan Henderson suffered a broken arm during the post‑match celebrations. “If you need proof of how much these players care for each other, look at the moment Jordan fell and broke his arm,” Tuchel said. “Within seconds every teammate rushed to his side, halted the celebrations, formed a protective shield and showed pure empathy.
It was a truly special moment.” The documentary is set to premiere on Wednesday, September 16, exclusively on the England app, and it already provides insight into the preparation that went into the Mexico match. Prior to the game, much of the media focus was on the altitude of the Azteca stadium and the possibility of weather‑related delays, which indeed caused the kickoff to be postponed. Tuchel explained that a sense of calm settled over the squad during a training session in Mexico, where meditation and visualization techniques helped the players find focus.
“We arrived in the middle of Mexico City and it felt like an oasis – peaceful, with an incredible pitch,” Tuchel recalled. “The players left the gym and walked onto the field, making phone calls, just soaking in the serene energy. We adopted the mantra ‘silence is powerful.’ We decided to embrace the quiet, knowing we were playing in a hostile environment where the entire nation seemed to be against us.
No team had ever won a World Cup match at that stadium before, so we needed that inner calm.” He added that the team even dedicated five minutes on match day to meditation and a “manifestation of the final whistle,” a practice aimed at visualizing success and maintaining composure under pressure. The FA is currently conducting a comprehensive review of England’s World Cup performance, but Tuchel remains optimistic about the future. He believes the experience has forged a strong bond between him and the players, and he expressed excitement about upcoming challenges.
England’s next major test will be a Nations League encounter with reigning champions Spain during the international break, with the 2028 European Championship looming as the next big tournament. “Preparing for the Euros will be easier than the logistical nightmare of the 2026 World Cup in the United States,” Tuchel noted. “The World Cup created a huge bond among the players; they now feel like my own.
That’s the beauty of it – shared success and shared pain builds a natural connection.” He praised the squad’s commitment, saying, “I’m proud to work with these players, to challenge them, to push them forward. We have young talent ready to join the camp, and they’ll learn from the veterans.
We’re one step closer to our goals, and I feel confident we can achieve them.” Tuchel also reflected on the demanding nature of preparing for a tournament abroad, acknowledging that while the United States posed logistical challenges, the team’s record – ten matches, eight wins, one draw and one painful loss – provides a solid foundation to build upon. He emphasized the importance of maintaining a positive mindset: “We have the right to hold our heads high, face the next challenges with courage, and continue to grow.” Looking ahead, Tuchel highlighted the upcoming Nations League fixtures as the immediate focus, stating, “We have four matches in the Nations League; that’s where we concentrate our efforts now.” In a separate segment of the documentary, Tuchel praised Bayern Munich forward Jamal Musiala for his extraordinary work ethic and development. He said, “Musiala is always in training, always eager to improve. Since joining Bayern, his commitment has reached a new level.
His dedication in preparation camps, his speeches after sessions, and his leadership in the dressing room are unparalleled. His finishing is simply phenomenal.” Tuchel continued, “He was one of the players of the tournament, not just for England but for the whole competition.
He lives up to his potential, thrives under pressure, and loves the big moments. He arrived at the camp hungry, both physically and mentally, and he decided the outcome of each match for us.” The manager also touched on the fans’ role, describing how the collective energy of supporters amplified the team’s performance.
“Everyone told me we’d have the best fans, that the stadium would be electric, and from the first moment it felt that way,” he said. “You could see the players sweating, exhausted after the final whistle, and yet proud. That authenticity, that genuine connection, is what makes this team special.” Overall, *Reflections: England’s World Cup Journey* offers a candid look at the strategic, emotional, and psychological aspects of England’s campaign.
It underscores how moments of adversity – from altitude challenges to a teammate’s injury – can forge deeper unity, and how practices like meditation can provide a competitive edge. As England prepares for future contests, Tuchel’s insights suggest a blend of tactical acumen, mental resilience, and a strong bond with his players will guide the road ahead. Play Super 6 for a chance to win £1m!
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