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Sir Gareth Southgate has turned down offers to be a pundit at the World Cup because he does not want England players to be distracted by his comments.
The former Three Lions boss was in charge at Euro 2024 when the likes of Harry Kane were asked about the remarks of ex players, such as Gary Lineker, who called one of their performances ’s***’.
Southgate is conscious of that likelihood and has revealed he will stay away from North America.
‘I’ve been at the last seven World Cups as a player, as a broadcaster, as a scout and then as the manager,’ he said.
‘So, this time I took a conscious decision not to do the TV. I didn’t think it would be helpful for me to be talking about the team, and I don’t want anything to be misconstrued or thrown at them in press conferences.
‘So, it’s best for me to keep out of the way.’
Southgate, who led England to consecutive European Championship finals, has turned down TV gigs for the first tournament since he stepped down as Three Lions boss in 2024
Southgate did not want to be a pundit to avoid his words being put to players in press conferences
The England team, now led by Thomas Tuchel, are currently in Kansas City preparing for their opening match against Croatia on Wednesday
Southgate, who led England to a World Cup semi and quarter-final, added: ‘I just wanted to take a moment to say good luck to all the boys.
‘I know all the big knockout nights that we’ve had mean they’re going to be full of confidence going into this tournament.
‘They’ve overcome so many hurdles to winning penalty shootouts, semi-finals. We got so close and they’re ready to win. I’m looking forward to watching and to get behind the boys.’
Which England star has 7 GCSEs? Who has lost half of his finger? Test your knowledge of Thomas Tuchel’s squad with our exclusive quiz HERE.
