Gareth Southgate has shattered one major expectation – his decision to shun punditry duties at the current World Cup. What's more remarkable is that he did it deliberately, opting out of the public eye to avoid giving even a hint of guidance to the England squad under new boss Thomas Tuchel.
No stranger to the international stage, Southgate has been an integral part of seven consecutive World Cups – as player, broadcaster, scout, and manager. This time around, he's taking a backseat, consciously choosing not to share his expertise on TV. "I didn't think it would be helpful for me to be talking about the team," he explained via Instagram.
The former England manager wants to steer clear of potential misinterpretation that could throw the spotlight on him rather than the new management and players. "Best for me to keep out of the way" – his succinct reasoning echoes the humility that has defined Southgate's tenure as national team chief.
Despite not securing major silverware in his eight-year stint, he leaves a lasting legacy: a team built on positive values and high standards. "They've overcome so many hurdles to winning," he says of the current squad. "Semi-finals, penalty shootouts – they're ready to win." With those words ringing out, it's clear that Southgate still believes in this young side.
As England take on Croatia in their Group L opener, fans and pundits alike are eagerly waiting for what promises to be an electrifying tournament. With Southgate watching from the sidelines, the stage is set for Tuchel's team to carve out their own path – free from the influence of one of the most respected voices in English football.