Sir Gareth Southgate has revealed why he turned down the opportunity to work as a television pundit during the World Cup, insisting he does not want to create any distractions for England ahead of their campaign opener against Croatia.
The former Three Lions manager has taken the unusual step of staying away from broadcasting duties despite having extensive experience in front of the camera and attending seven World Cups in various roles throughout his career.
Southgate, who stepped down after Euro 2024 following eight years in charge of England, said he deliberately chose to remain out of the spotlight during the tournament.
The 55-year-old explained that he was concerned any comments he made could be taken out of context and potentially become a talking point around Thomas Tuchel's squad.
Speaking in a message posted on social media, Southgate said: "Now the World Cup is underway and we're still a few days away from England playing, I thought it would be a good point just to leave a little message.
"It's obviously a very different tournament for me.
"I've been at the last seven World Cups as a player, broadcaster, scout and then manager."
Southgate then outlined why he opted against accepting television work this summer.
Sir Gareth Southgate has revealed why he turned down the opportunity to work as a television pundit during the World Cup, insisting he does not want to create any distractions for England ahead of their campaign opener against Croatia
|GARETH SOUTHGATE/INSTAGRAM
"This time I took a conscious decision not to do TV," he said.
"I didn't think it would be helpful for me to be talking about the team.
"I don't want anything to be misconstrued or thrown at them in press conferences.
"Best for me to keep out of the way."
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England's record at the World Cup | GETTY/ GB NEWSThe former England boss stressed that his absence from television coverage should not be mistaken for a lack of interest.
Instead, Southgate said he will be supporting the team from afar as they attempt to go one step further after a series of near misses under his leadership.
England reached the semi-finals of the 2018 World Cup, the quarter-finals in 2022 and also advanced to consecutive European Championship finals during Southgate's reign.
Those experiences have convinced him the current group are capable of challenging for the biggest prize in international football.
"I just wanted to take a moment to say good luck to all the boys," Southgate said.
"I know all the big knockout nights we've had mean they're going to be full of confidence going into this tournament.
"They've overcome so many hurdles to winning.
"They've won penalty shootouts, they've reached semi-finals, they've got so close and they're ready to win."
Gareth Southgate guided England to two major finals during his time in the dugout and has emerged as a potential managerial option for Manchester United | PASouthgate also urged supporters to throw their full backing behind the team as they prepare for their opening match in Dallas.
"I'm looking forward to watching," he added. "Get behind the boys.
"I know how important your support is to them.
"I hope everybody has a great month and I'll be staying out of the way."
Since leaving the England job, Southgate has focused much of his attention on projects away from football and has repeatedly suggested he is in no rush to return to management.
How England fare against Croatia remains to be seen.