Overview
- Tuchel made the remark in an interview with Daniel Sturridge for the Football Association that was reported on Tuesday, saying he wished he had eaten a piece of Azteca turf to keep the memory “in my body forever.”
- The comment refers to England’s dramatic 3-2 last‑16 victory over Mexico in July, when the team stayed strong despite Jarell Quansah’s red card and the match being played at high altitude.
- Tuchel said the match created a close bond inside the squad, pointing to the moment players gathered to protect Jordan Henderson after he fell and fractured his arm during celebrations.
- He faces criticism over England’s semi‑final defeat to Argentina for his late tactics but is publicly focused on selecting his squad and preparing for a Nations League opener against world champions Spain at Wembley on September 26.
- Tuchel says he wants to use the Mexico night’s spirit as practical preparation for Euro 2028, and observers will watch squad choices and early Nations League results for signs of whether that unity can translate into consistent performance.