The report says Southgate made a conscious decision to stay out of the tournament coverage in North America. He is concerned that anything he says about England could be misconstrued or raised with players during press conferences.
That caution reflects the unusual position he now occupies. Southgate remains closely associated with the group, having guided England to a World Cup semi-final and two European Championship finals before leaving after Euro 2024. His presence on television would inevitably invite questions about the team, the manager and the decisions being made inside camp.
By stepping back, he appears determined to give the current leadership room to work without an influential former manager hovering around the conversation.
Southgate has not withdrawn emotionally. The report says he believes England are equipped to challenge for the title, pointing to their experience of knockout football, penalty shootouts and semi-final pressure.
That belief matters. England’s recent tournament record has created expectation, but it has also supplied valuable lessons. The next step is no longer simply reaching the latter stages; it is handling the weight of being viewed as a genuine contender.
Southgate’s message, as reported, is one of confidence rather than criticism. He has offered his good wishes to the players while refusing to make himself part of the daily narrative.
England are due to open their Group L campaign against Croatia in Dallas on Wednesday. The match will provide an immediate test of whether the squad can turn accumulated experience into a convincing start.
Southgate will watch from a distance, but his decision ensures the spotlight remains where he believes it belongs: on the players. England’s opening performance will begin the next chapter of their title challenge - and the next major storyline for their former manager.