Thomas Tuchel, the England manager, recently confessed that after the memorable World Cup victory over Mexico he wished he had literally eaten some of the grass from the iconic Estadio Azteca pitch. That off‑the‑cuff remark is just one of many vivid anecdotes he shared in the freshly released FA documentary, "Reflections: England's World Cup Journey," which premiered on the England app on September 16.
In the film, Tuchel sits down with former England striker and Sky Sports analyst Daniel Sturridge to dissect the highs and lows of the three‑year campaign that culminated in a third‑place finish, after a dramatic semi‑final loss to Argentina. The tournament's standout moment for England came in the round‑of‑16 clash against Mexico in Mexico City. Despite being reduced to ten men for more than half an hour, the Three Lions edged out the hosts 3‑2 in a pulsating encounter that showcased resilience, tactical flexibility and sheer determination.
After the final whistle, Tuchel admitted he texted a friend with a tongue‑in‑cheek lament: "I regret that I didn't eat some grass after the match to keep something from this in my body forever." The comment, while humorous, underscored how deeply the experience had etched itself into his memory. Tuchel also highlighted the extraordinary camaraderie displayed when captain Jordan Henderson suffered a broken arm during the post‑match celebrations.
"If you needed any proof of how united these players were, it was the moment Jordan fell and broke his arm," Tuchel explained. "Within a second every teammate was there, halting the revelry, forming a protective shield around him, and showing pure, unfiltered empathy.
It was a special, almost cinematic moment that summed up the spirit of the squad." Beyond the on‑field drama, the documentary delves into the mental preparation that Tuchel and his staff employed ahead of the high‑altitude showdown. The Azteca Stadium, perched over 7,000 feet above sea level, had sparked endless speculation about the impact of thin air and potential weather delays – concerns that proved valid when kick‑off was pushed back. Yet, according to Tuchel, a sense of calm settled over the group during a pre‑match training session in Mexico.
He described the venue as an "oasis" where the pitch felt "unbelievably peaceful," a setting that allowed the players to centre themselves. "We introduced a mantra of 'silence is powerful,'" Tuchel said. "We embraced the quiet, reminded ourselves we were playing in a hostile environment where the whole nation seemed against us, and that winning there was practically unheard of in World Cup history. On match day we even dedicated five minutes to meditation and visualisation, picturing the final whistle and the victory we wanted.
That collective focus helped us channel the pressure into performance." The FA is currently conducting a thorough review of England's World Cup run, but Tuchel remains optimistic about the bonds forged during the tournament. He expressed excitement about the team's 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 test.
"The experience created a huge bond with these players; they feel like my own," Tuchel said. "When a manager shares both triumphs and painful moments with his squad, a natural connection forms. I'm proud to challenge them, to push them, and to watch the younger talents integrate into the camp and learn from the veterans." Looking ahead, Tuchel believes preparing for a European Championship will be less logistically complex than the 2026 World Cup in the United States.
He pointed out that England played ten matches in the US, achieving eight wins, one draw and one painful loss – a solid foundation to build upon. "We have the right to hold our heads high and approach the next challenges with courage and positivity," he affirmed, emphasizing the importance of the four upcoming Nations League fixtures as a springboard.
Throughout the documentary, Tuchel also praised individual performances, singling out a player who, in his view, was one of the tournament's best not only for England but across all teams. He described the player as a "machine" who thrives under pressure, possesses an "uncontrollable" finishing ability, and arrived at the camp hungry for football and minutes on the pitch. Tuchel highlighted the player's relentless work ethic, noting how he consistently raised training standards and inspired teammates with his commitment. The film also captures the atmosphere surrounding the squad, with fans expressing an almost visceral connection to the team.
Tuchel recounted how supporters could feel the players' sweat, fatigue and determination, describing the bond as genuine and not manufactured. "Everyone said we would have the best fans, the biggest support, and from the first moment it felt that way," he reflected.
"The team gave everything, and the fans sensed that authenticity." In summary, the documentary offers a layered portrait of England's World Cup journey: a blend of tactical ingenuity, mental fortitude, heartfelt moments of solidarity, and a forward‑looking optimism for future tournaments. Tuchel's candid reflections – from joking about eating grass to emphasizing the power of silence – provide fans with a deeper understanding of the human side of elite football. The film serves both as a celebration of what has been achieved and a roadmap for the challenges that lie ahead, reminding viewers that success is built on unity, preparation, and an unwavering belief in the collective.