Tuchel's Azteca Regret: 'I Wish I'd Eaten the Grass'

Thomas Tuchel has made a startling confession in a new FA documentary, admitting he regrets not eating grass from the Azteca pitch after England's dramatic World Cup win over Mexico. The Three Lions boss, speaking alongside Daniel Sturridge in 'Reflections: England's World Cup Journey', revealed he texted a friend: 'I regret that I didn't eat some grass after the match to keep something from this in my body forever.'

The documentary, released on Wednesday, explores England's summer campaign which ended in a third-place finish after a semi-final defeat to Argentina. Tuchel highlights the last-16 victory over Mexico in Mexico City as the standout moment, where England played over 35 minutes with ten men to win 3-2. He also recalls the unity shown when Jordan Henderson broke his arm during post-match celebrations, with players instantly forming a protective shield around him.

Tuchel credits meditation and manifestation for helping the team handle the hostile Azteca atmosphere. He describes the training base as 'an oasis' of peace, where the squad embraced the mantra 'silence is powerful'. On match day, they spent five minutes meditating on the final whistle, blocking out the noise of a nation against them.

With the FA reviewing the World Cup campaign, Tuchel says the experience has bonded him and the group, and he is excited about upcoming challenges. England face world champions Spain in the Nations League next, with Euro 2028 on the horizon. The documentary is available exclusively on the England app.