Tuchel Wishes He Had Tasted Azteca Grass After World Cup Match

WHO:

YSscores - Thomas Tuchel, head coach of the England national team

Punch Newspapers - Thomas Tuchel, head coach of the England national team; Jordan Henderson, England midfielder; Daniel Sturridge, former England striker

WHAT:

YSscores - Tuchel stated, "I feel regret that I didn't eat some grass after the match, to keep a piece of that day inside my body forever."

Punch Newspapers - Tuchel mentioned that England's World Cup campaign represents "something to build on" in preparation for the UEFA Euro 2028.

Punch Newspapers - Tuchel expressed excitement about calling up new young players for the national team camp, stating, "I’m excited to have new young players we can bring into the camp, and they can learn."

Punch Newspapers - Tuchel indicated that the target is to have another 10 matches in the Nations League during the upcoming three-week international window.

YSscores - Tuchel expressed regret for not eating grass from the Azteca Stadium after England's 3-2 victory over Mexico in the Round of 16 of the World Cup.

Punch Newspapers - England defeated Mexico 3-2 in the last 16 of the 2026 World Cup.

Punch Newspapers - Tuchel described the match as one of the memorable moments of England's World Cup campaign.

YSscores - England's World Cup campaign ended in defeat to Argentina in the semi-finals.

Punch Newspapers - England played 10 matches in the United States, achieving 8 wins, 1 draw, and 1 loss.

WHERE:

YSscores - Azteca Stadium, Mexico City, Mexico

Punch Newspapers - Azteca Stadium, Mexico City, Mexico; Wembley Stadium, England

WHEN:

Punch Newspapers - The match against Mexico took place on July 5, 2026.

YSscores - England's next match is scheduled against Spain at Wembley Stadium on September 26, 2026.

WHY:

YSscores - Tuchel felt a strong emotional connection to the match and wanted to preserve a memory of the occasion by eating grass from the pitch.

Punch Newspapers - Tuchel highlighted the players' unity and empathy during the celebration after Henderson's injury as a testament to their connection.

HOW:

YSscores - Tuchel communicated his feelings through a text message to a friend after the match.

Punch Newspapers - Tuchel noted that the players immediately surrounded Henderson and formed a barrier to protect him after his injury.

In a recent statement, coach Tuchel expressed his regret for not eating grass after the match, wishing to keep a piece of that day inside him forever. He also highlighted England's World Cup campaign as a foundation to build on for the upcoming UEFA Euro 2028, while expressing excitement about bringing new young players into the national team camp. Looking ahead, Tuchel indicated that the goal is to play another ten matches in the Nations League during the upcoming three-week international window.