Thomas Tuchel has admitted he regrets not eating some of the grass from the Azteca Stadium following England’s thrilling 3-2 World Cup victory over Mexico. Speaking in an interview with Daniel Sturridge for the FA’s upcoming documentary, *Reflections: England’s World Cup Journey*, the England manager described the match as a defining moment in his tenure.
England defeated the co-hosts in the last-16 round in July, securing the win despite playing the latter part of the second half with only ten men after Jarell Quansah was sent off. The triumph marked only the third competitive defeat for Mexico at their iconic venue in 90 matches. The Three Lions eventually finished the tournament in third place, beating France in the Bronze medal match after a semi-final loss to Argentina.
“I texted a friend after the match and I just 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 said.
The manager highlighted the squad’s unity as a key takeaway from the campaign, pointing specifically to the team’s reaction when Jordan Henderson suffered a tournament-ending arm injury. Henderson fell while celebrating the win over Mexico but was immediately surrounded and protected by his teammates.
“This game had so much of what you could wish for,” Tuchel added. “If you needed any proof of what it meant to these 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 was there stopping the celebrations, building a shield, protecting Jordan, not going anywhere, in full empathy. It was so special.”
Tuchel expressed confidence that England is closing the gap on silverware, having not won a senior men’s trophy since 1966. He noted that the World Cup run has cemented his relationship with the squad, stating, “It feels like they are my players now.” He added, “I’m very excited. I think we got another step closer and I think we’re there.”
England are set to begin their 2026-27 UEFA Nations League campaign against World Cup champions Spain on 26 September.
Third place is still a success, but winning silverware remains the goal. Tuchel seems genuinely convinced the gap is closing now.
‘I regret that I didn’t eat some grass.’ This is going to be the internet’s favorite meme for months. Absolutely bizarre admission.
The Azeca turf has a reputation. Maybe Tuchel should have taken the hint earlier, but I guess he missed the memo.
That moment with Jordan Henderson was truly special. Seeing the team drop everything to protect their friend really defined that tournament run.
Honest question: is this a metaphor for his passion, or did he actually say this? England fans are going wild over this quote.