Tuchel's grass-eating regret

Thomas Tuchel says he regrets not eating the Azteca Stadium grass after England's win over Mexico. He texted a friend saying he wanted to keep something from that moment in his body forever.

“I regret that I didn't eat some grass after the match to keep something from this in my body forever.”

England won with 10 men

England beat World Cup co-hosts Mexico 3-2 in Mexico City despite Jarell Quansah's dismissal. The dramatic last-16 tie in July became the standout moment of their campaign.

A heroic defensive performance

Tuchel said the defiant display in the raucous Azteca atmosphere created a bond between himself and the players. The victory came before their eventual semi-final loss to Argentina.

Henderson broke his arm celebrating

Jordan Henderson landed awkwardly vaulting over an advertising hoarding during the celebrations and broke his arm. The midfielder's injury revealed the squad's spirit.

Players formed a protective shield

Within a second of Henderson's fall, every single player stopped celebrating to protect him. They built a shield around the injured midfielder in full empathy.

“Within a second, the players were there. Every single player was there stopping the celebrations, building a shield.”

The bond Tuchel wanted

The Mexico game created a huge bond between Tuchel and his players. He says it feels like they are his players now after sharing success and painful moments together.

“It created a huge bond to these players. It feels like they are my players now.”

England face Spain next

England return to action later this month hosting world champions Spain in the Nations League. They also travel to Croatia and play the Czech Republic home and away.

Tuchel thinks they're close

Tuchel believes England are capable of ending their wait for a first trophy since the 1966 World Cup. He thinks they got another step closer and are now there.

“I'm very excited. I think we got another step closer and I think we're there.”