Tuchel: I regret not eating some grass from Azteca Stadium

Thomas Tuchel, the head coach of the England national team, has revealed his feelings of regret for not keeping a memory from the Azteca Stadium following the 3-2 win against Mexico in the Round of 16 of the World Cup this summer.

Thomas Tuchel spoke during a conversation with Daniel Sturridge in the film released by the English Football Association to review the national team's journey in the World Cup: "I sent a message to one of my friends after the match, and I just wrote to him: I feel regret that I didn't eat some grass after the match, to keep a piece of that day inside my body forever. That was the feeling I had, because it was an exceptional moment."

The German coach described the match against Mexico as one of England's standout moments in the tournament, praising the players' unity after Jordan Henderson suffered a wrist injury during the celebrations, which ended his World Cup campaign.

Thomas Tuchel explained: "If you need any proof of how important that moment was for the players, and how connected they are, it was evident when Jordan fell and broke his arm. In a second, all the players were around him, they stopped the celebrations and formed a barrier to protect him, and none of them left the spot, showing complete empathy. It was a very special moment."

Thomas Tuchel added that England's World Cup campaign, which ended in defeat to Argentina in the semi-finals, represents "something to build on" in preparation for the UEFA Euro 2028.

He added: "I am very excited to work with these players, and I am also excited to call up new young players that we can include in the camp and give them a chance to learn. I believe we have taken another step forward."

Thomas Tuchel highlighted that England played 10 matches in the United States, including two friendlies before the World Cup, achieving 8 wins, 1 draw, and 1 loss. He emphasized that the focus now shifts to the UEFA Nations League, where the national team has four matches scheduled during the current international break.

The England national team is preparing for their upcoming match against Spain at Wembley Stadium on September 26, as part of the UEFA Nations League group stage.