Thomas Tuchel has admitted that, after England’s dramatic victory over Mexico at the World Cup, he wishes he had literally eaten some of the grass from the iconic Azteca pitch to keep a piece of that moment forever. The remark is just one of many that have sparked chatter across social platforms since the Football Association unveiled a fresh 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 after a semi‑final defeat to Argentina. The most memorable match, according to many observers, was the last‑16 showdown in Mexico City, where England endured more than half an hour with ten men yet still managed a 3‑2 win. "I texted a friend after the match and wrote, ‘I regret that I didn’t eat some grass after the match to keep something from this in my body forever,’" Tuchel recalled during the interview.
He used the odd comment to illustrate how deeply the experience had lodged itself in his mind. When discussing the unity displayed by the squad, Tuchel highlighted the moment when captain Jordan Henderson slipped during the post‑match celebrations and broke his arm.
"If you needed any proof of how close these players are, it was the instant when Jordan fell. Within a second every single teammate stopped the celebration, formed a protective shield around him and showed pure empathy.
It was incredibly special," he said. The documentary is scheduled for release on Wednesday, September 16, and will be available exclusively through the England app.
Leading up to the Mexico game, media narratives were dominated by concerns over the high altitude of the Estadio Azteca and the possibility of weather‑related delays – both of which materialised when the kickoff was pushed back. Tuchel explained that a sense of calm settled over the group when they trained together in Mexico before the match. He credited meditation and a mindset of manifestation for helping the team secure the win.
"In the middle of Mexico City we arrived at an oasis – a pitch that felt unbelievably peaceful. The atmosphere was so tranquil it seemed to affect the players directly," he said. "They walked out of the gym onto the field, made phone calls, roamed around – there was a peaceful energy all around." He went on to describe a mantra the squad adopted: "Silence is powerful." The idea was to embrace the quiet before a hostile crowd, to remind themselves that they were playing in a hostile environment where no team had ever won a World Cup match at that stadium. "We even spent five minutes on match day meditating and visualising the final whistle," Tuchel added.
While the FA is currently conducting a formal review of England’s World Cup performance, Tuchel believes the journey has forged a strong bond between him and the players, and he expressed genuine excitement about the future. England’s next major test will be a Nations League encounter with reigning world champions Spain during the upcoming international break, with the 2028 European Championship looming as the next big tournament.
"The experience created a huge connection with these players – it feels like they are truly my players now. That’s the beauty of it," Tuchel said. He reflected on how shared successes and painful moments naturally build trust.
"I love seeing them, challenging them, pushing them. I’m proud to be part of this group." Looking ahead, Tuchel is optimistic that preparing for the Euros will be less logistically demanding than the massive effort required for the 2026 World Cup in the United States. "We had ten matches in the US – eight wins, one draw, one painful loss – and that gives us a solid foundation.
The target now is another ten matches, this time in the Nations League, to keep improving," he explained. He also praised the dedication of individual players, citing one who, after moving to Bayern Munich, elevated his training standards and on‑field performance. "His commitment in training, his mindset, his finishing – it’s out of this world. He was one of the players of the tournament, not just for England but for the whole competition," Tuchel enthused.
The manager highlighted the importance of mental resilience, noting how certain squad members thrive under pressure and love the spotlight. "He came into camp with an amazing mindset, fresh, hungry for football, ready to give everything. He decided matches for us," Tuchel said, underscoring the player’s impact.
Fans, too, have felt the intensity of the team’s effort. Tuchel recounted hearing supporters say, "You can see they’re giving everything, sweating, and after the final whistle they’re exhausted enough to sit down. It’s a genuine connection, not something manufactured," emphasizing the authenticity of the bond between the squad and its supporters.
In summary, Tuchel’s reflections paint a picture of a team that grew together through adversity, meditation, and mutual respect. The documentary aims to capture that journey, offering viewers an inside look at the emotions, strategies, and moments that defined England’s World Cup adventure. The film will be available on the England app from September 16, and fans can also participate in a Super 6 competition for a chance to win £1 million, entry being free of charge.