'I'll be staying out of the way' - Southgate on World Cup punditry

Former England manager Sir Gareth Southgate says he turned down work as a pundit at the World Cup because he did not think it would be "helpful" to the side's chances.

Former England manager Sir Gareth Southgate has revealed that he declined offers to work as a television pundit during the 2026 World Cup, citing a desire not to distract the team. Southgate, who managed England from 2016 to 2024, led the side to consecutive European Championship finals and a World Cup semi-final in 2018. He said that while several broadcasters approached him, he felt appearing as a commentator would not be 'helpful' to the team's prospects. In an interview, Southgate explained: 'I decided to stay out of the way. I think if I were on TV commenting on matches, it could distract the players or be interpreted as me judging their performances. That wouldn't be in the team's interest.' He added that he has a good relationship with the current England manager but wanted to avoid any unnecessary speculation. The 53-year-old stepped down as England boss after Euro 2024 and is currently taking a break from football. He admitted he needs time to reflect on his eight-year tenure and plan his next career move. However, he did not rule out a return to coaching in the future, stressing that now is 'not the right time.' Southgate's decision has sparked debate in the football world. Some pundits praised his respect for the team, while others noted that his experience and insight would have provided a unique perspective for viewers. Former England striker Gary Lineker commented: 'Gareth's choice is admirable, but fans will miss his analysis.' Meanwhile, England are preparing for the World Cup. The team has performed steadily in qualifiers, but there remains debate over the manager's tactics and squad selection. Southgate's absence from the media may help the squad focus on the tournament without external noise. Southgate also mentioned that he plans to spend time with his family and possibly engage in football development projects. 'Football is my life, but I need balance. During the World Cup, I'll watch as a fan and cheer for England,' he said. Overall, Southgate's decision highlights the delicate relationship between former coaches and current teams. His choice supports the current coaching staff while respecting his own career. Whether he will take up punditry in future tournaments remains to be seen.

'I'll be staying out of the way' - Southgate on World Cup punditry

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