Thomas Tuchel Reflects on England's 10-Man World Cup Triumph and a Surprising Regret

Thomas Tuchel, England's manager, has shared an unusual feeling of regret following his team's unforgettable 10-man victory over Mexico in the World Cup knockout stage last summer. The German coach wished he had eaten some of the Estadio Azteca grass to carry a piece of that historic moment with him forever.

A Unique Way to Remember a Special Win

The thrilling 3-2 win in Mexico City, achieved despite being down to ten men, left Tuchel deeply moved by the occasion’s intensity. He described sending a message to a friend right after the final whistle expressing his wish to keep part of that experience physically with him. His exact words were, "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."

Jordan Henderson's Injury Highlights Team Spirit

The match also showcased remarkable team unity, especially when Jordan Henderson suffered a broken arm after falling over an advertising hoarding during the celebrations. Tuchel recounted this moment in an FA interview with Daniel Sturridge, explaining how the players immediately rallied around Henderson, halting their celebrations to protect and support him. "Every single player was there stopping the celebrations, building a shield, protecting Jordan - not going nowhere, in full empathy. It was just so special," he said.

Building a Strong Future Together

This shared experience has created a strong bond within the squad, which Tuchel believes is the foundation for future success as they prepare for Euro 2028. He spoke about the connection formed through both victories and challenges, emphasizing his pride in leading the team. "It created a huge bond to these players. It feels like they are my players now. This is the beauty of it. You have success and you have painful moments together, but you have so much time together and then you create a natural bond. So I’m happy to see them. I’m happy to challenge them, happy to push them, and very proud to be a part of that."

Looking Ahead to Upcoming Matches

Focusing on the road ahead, Tuchel expressed excitement about the team’s progress and upcoming challenges. He highlighted plans to prepare through the Nations League, aiming to build on a successful run of matches. "We had 10 matches in the US - eight wins, one draw, one painful loss. That is something to build on. We all have the right to hold our heads high and go with courage and positivity into the next challenges. We have four matches in Nations League coming up, and that’s where the focus is."

England’s Upcoming Fixtures

England will soon return to competitive play, starting with a home game against world champions Spain in the Nations League. They face a tough schedule including a trip to Croatia and two matches against Czechia. Tuchel is set to announce his squad soon as preparations intensify.

• Friendlies: Mexico vs Colombia – 26 Sept 2026, 13:00
• UEFA Nations League A: England vs Spain – 26 Sept 2026, 21:45