Thomas Tuchel admitted that, after England’s dramatic victory over Mexico at the World Cup, he wishes he had chewed on some grass from the iconic Azteca pitch to keep a piece of the experience forever etched in his body. This off‑the‑cuff comment is just one of several memorable remarks that have been circulating on social media since 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 overall, bowing out in the semi‑finals against Argentina. The pair walk through the highs and lows, the tactical adjustments, and the emotional moments that defined England’s run.
One of the tournament’s standout performances came in the round‑of‑16 clash with Mexico in Mexico City. England endured more than half an hour with ten men after a red card but still managed to edge out the hosts 3‑2. After the final whistle, Tuchel sent a text to a friend that read, “I regret that I didn’t eat some grass after the match to keep something from this in my body forever.” The quirky remark captured both his humor and his yearning to preserve the intensity of that night. When discussing the unity displayed by his squad, Tuchel highlighted the incident involving captain Jordan Henderson, who slipped and fractured his arm during the post‑match celebrations.
“If you needed any proof of how much these players care for each other, look at the moment Jordan fell and broke his arm,” Tuchel said. “Within a second every teammate dropped what they were doing, halted the celebrations, formed a protective shield around him, and stayed by his side.
It was pure empathy and it was incredibly special.” The documentary is slated for release on Wednesday, September 16, exclusively on the official England app. Ahead of the Mexico match, the conversation in the media had been dominated by concerns about the altitude of Estadio Azteca and the possibility of weather‑related delays – concerns that proved valid when the kickoff was pushed back.
Yet Tuchel believes that a sense of calm settled over the group during a training session in Mexico, thanks in part to meditation and a focus on manifestation. “Arriving in the heart of Mexico City felt like stepping into an oasis,” Tuchel recalled.
“The pitch was immaculate, the atmosphere was serene, and that peace seeped into the players. After a gym session, they walked onto the field, made phone calls, and just absorbed the tranquil energy.” He went on to explain a mantra the squad adopted: “Silence is powerful.” The team embraced the quiet, viewing it as a weapon against a hostile crowd.
“We told ourselves to enjoy the silence, to harness its power. On match day we even set aside five minutes for meditation and visualization of the final whistle,” he added. The FA is currently conducting a comprehensive review of England’s World Cup performance, but Tuchel insists the experience forged a stronger bond between him and his players, leaving him “excited” about the future.
England’s next challenge will be a Nations League fixture against reigning world champions Spain during the upcoming international break, with the 2028 European Championship looming as the next major tournament. Tuchel believes preparing for the Euros will be less logistically demanding than the massive undertaking required for the 2026 World Cup in the United States. “It created a huge bond with these players. It feels like they’re truly my team now – that’s the beauty of it,” Tuchel said.
“When a manager shares both triumphs and painful moments with his squad, you build a natural connection. I love seeing them, challenging them, pushing them, and I’m proud to be part of that journey.” He expressed optimism about integrating fresh talent into the camp, noting, “We have new, young players who can learn from the veterans, and that keeps us moving forward.” Reflecting on the overall campaign, Tuchel highlighted the statistics: ten matches in the United States, eight wins, one draw, and one heartbreaking loss.
“Those numbers give us a solid foundation to build on. We can hold our heads high, face the next challenges with courage and positivity, and aim for at least another ten matches to keep the momentum going.” Looking ahead, the England staff will focus on the four upcoming Nations League matches, using them as a platform to fine‑tune tactics and assess the squad’s depth. Tuchel also praised the dedication of a particular player – a Bayern Munich star whose work ethic, training intensity, and leadership have set a new standard within the group.
“He arrives at every training session ready to give his all, raises the bar for everyone, and his finishing is simply out of this world,” Tuchel remarked. The Bayern forward was hailed as one of the tournament’s standout performers, not just for England but for the entire competition.
“He lived up to his potential, thrived under pressure, and loved the big‑stage moments. His mindset, physical preparation, and hunger for football were evident from day one,” Tuchel explained. “He took his place in the squad and decided matches for us with his brilliance.” Tuchel also reflected on the fans’ role, noting that the supporters could feel the team’s unity and determination even without naming it. “People would say, ‘wait until the tournament starts, we’ll have the best fans, we’ll be on top.’ From the first minute, that energy was there.
The players gave everything, sweated, and after the final whistle they were exhausted but proud. That authentic connection is what made the bond so strong – it was never artificial, it was genuine.” In summary, the documentary offers an intimate look at the emotional and tactical journey of England’s World Cup run, showcasing Tuchel’s candid reflections, the squad’s resilience, and the moments that will linger in the collective memory of fans and players alike.
The film’s release on the England app provides supporters an opportunity to relive the triumphs, understand the challenges, and glimpse the future direction of the national team as they set their sights on upcoming Nations League fixtures and the next major international tournament. Play Super 6 for a chance to win £1 million! Enter for free.