Tuchel's Unusual Regret After Azteca Triumph
Thomas Tuchel has admitted he regrets not eating any of the grass at the Azteca Stadium following England's World Cup victory over Mexico. The Three Lions defeated the co-hosts 3-2 in the last-16 tie in July, despite playing much of the second half with ten men after Jarell Quansah was sent off. England went on to reach the semi-finals, where they lost to Argentina, before beating France in the Bronze medal match to finish third. Tuchel made the bizarre confession during an interview with Daniel Sturridge for the FA's forthcoming feature 'Reflections: England's World Cup Journey'.[S1]
He explained that he texted a friend after the match, writing that he regretted not eating some grass to keep something from that moment in his body forever. He described it as the feeling and the moment. England's victory was only the third time Mexico had suffered defeat at the stadium in 90 competitive matches. Tuchel called the game one of the highlights of the campaign and praised the huge bond within the camp, particularly the reaction to Jordan Henderson's tournament-ending injury after falling over an advertising hoarding while celebrating the Azteca success.[S1]
Squad Unity and Looking Ahead
Tuchel said the game had so much of what you could wish for. He added that if any proof was needed of what it meant to the players and how they were with each other, it was the moment Jordan fell over and broke his arm. Within a second, the players were there, every single player stopping the celebrations, building a shield, protecting Jordan, not going anywhere, in full empathy. He described it as so special. England are next in action against World Cup winners Spain on 26 September in their 2026-27 Uefa Nations League opener, with the 2028 European Championships also on Tuchel's radar.[S1]
Confident of ending England's wait for a first senior men's trophy since 1966, Tuchel believed their World Cup run not only cemented his relationship with the squad, saying it feels like they are his players now, but also represented something to build on. He added that he is very excited, thinks they got another step closer and believes they are there.[S1]
