Thomas Tuchel Wishes He Had Eaten Azteca Turf After England's 10-Man World Cup Win

Tuchel's Unusual Regret After England's Victory

Thomas Tuchel, England's manager, shared a surprising regret following his team's thrilling 3-2 win over Mexico at the World Cup. The match, played with only ten men on England’s side, took place in the iconic Estadio Azteca. Tuchel confessed he wished he had eaten some of the Azteca grass to keep a lasting piece of that unforgettable experience within him.

A Unique Memento from a Historic Match

The victory was marked by intense emotion and a fierce battle on foreign soil, making it a night to remember. Tuchel revealed he sent a message to a friend right after the game expressing his odd feeling: "I regret that I didn’t eat some grass after the match to keep something from this in my body forever." This moment captured the depth of his connection to the occasion.

Team Spirit Shines Amid Injury

The celebrations were interrupted when Jordan Henderson broke his arm after falling over an advertising hoarding. Tuchel described the team’s reaction during an interview with Daniel Sturridge: "Within seconds, every player was there, stopping the celebrations to shield and protect Jordan with full empathy. It was a truly special moment showing their unity." This incident highlighted the strength of the squad's bond.

Building a Strong Future Together

That sense of togetherness has become the foundation for the squad as they look ahead to Euro 2028. Tuchel expressed pride in the connection he shares with the players: "It feels like they are my players now. Success and tough moments forge natural bonds. I’m happy to challenge them and proud to be part of this group."

He also outlined his excitement for the upcoming cycle: "We’ve taken a big step forward. Preparing for the World Cup in the US is tough, but gearing up for the Euros through the Nations League is possible. We aim to play another 10 matches. Our previous run included eight wins, one draw, and one loss. That’s something solid to build on."

Upcoming Matches and Challenges

England will soon face a demanding schedule, beginning with hosting world champions Spain in the Nations League. Other fixtures include a trip to Croatia and home-and-away games against Czechia. Tuchel plans to announce his squad shortly as preparations intensify for these important contests.

• Friendlies:
• Mexico (MEX) vs England (ENG) - 26 Sept 2026, 13:00
• UEFA Nations League A:
• England (ENG) vs Spain (ESP) - 26 Sept 2026, 21:45