Thomas Tuchel regrets not eating Azteca turf after England's Mexico win
England manager Thomas Tuchel reveals a bizarre regret following his team's historic World Cup victory at the Azteca Stadium.
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Thomas Tuchel has shared a unique admission regarding his feelings after England's World Cup victory over Mexico. Despite playing much of the second half with 10 men due to Jarell Quansah's red card, England secured a dramatic 3-2 win at the Azteca Stadium in the round of 16.
Speaking to Daniel Sturridge for the FA's 'Reflections: England's World Cup Journey' feature, the German manager recalled:
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.
The victory was a rare feat, marking only the third time in 90 competitive matches that Mexico had lost at the venue. Tuchel also highlighted the internal bond of the squad, particularly following the injury to Jordan Henderson, who broke his arm while celebrating the success.
This game had so much of what you could wish for. 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.
After reaching the semi-finals and ultimately finishing third by beating France, Tuchel feels the team is on the right path. He is now turning his focus toward the upcoming Uefa Nations League campaign, with an opening match against Spain scheduled for 26 September.