Thomas Tuchel Shares Unusual Regret After England's 10-Man World Cup Victory Over Mexico
Thomas Tuchel opened up about a surprising regret following England's remarkable 3-2 win against Mexico in the World Cup knockout stage last summer. The match, played at the Estadio Azteca, saw England triumph with just ten men against the tournament co-hosts. Captivated by the atmosphere, Tuchel confessed he wished he had eaten some of the sacred pitch grass to carry a piece of that experience inside him forever.
"I texted a friend after the match and wrote, I regret that I didn’t eat some grass after the match to keep something from this in my body forever. That was the feeling. That was the moment," Tuchel revealed.
A Moment of Unity After Henderson’s Injury
The game brought more than just excitement; it showed a deep sense of team spirit when Jordan Henderson broke his arm during the celebrations. The players immediately surrounded him, halting their jubilation to protect their teammate in pain. Tuchel described this as a powerful demonstration of empathy and solidarity among the squad.
"If you needed any proof of what it meant to these players and how they were with each other, it was the moment when Jordan fell over and broke his arm. Every single player stopped celebrations and formed a shield around him," he said in an interview with Daniel Sturridge for the FA.
Building a Strong Foundation for Euro 2028
This shared experience created a strong bond within the team, which Tuchel believes is now the foundation for future success. He feels a genuine connection with his players and takes pride in pushing them forward.
"It feels like they are my players now. You have success and painful moments together, and through time, you create a natural bond. I'm happy to challenge them and proud to be part of it," Tuchel explained.
Looking ahead, Tuchel is enthusiastic about the team's progress, especially focusing on the upcoming UEFA Nations League matches as preparation for Euro 2028.
"The target is to have another 10 matches. We had 10 matches in the US - eight wins, one draw, one painful loss. That is something to build on. We can go with courage and positivity into the next challenges," he said.
Upcoming Challenges and Squad Announcement
England will return to competitive play later this month, hosting world champions Spain in the Nations League. They also face tough fixtures against Croatia and Czechia. Tuchel is set to name his squad soon as preparations intensify.
Friendlies:
- Mexico vs England: 26 Sept 2026, 13:00
- Colombia vs England: (Date not specified)
- UEFA Nations League A:
- England vs Spain: 26 Sept 2026, 21:45
