Time can move very fast in football. The expected omissions of Cole Palmer and Phil Foden from England's World Cup squad are testament to that.

Two years ago, it would have been unthinkable that the pair could be left out. Foden started the Euro 2024 final defeat by Spain, while Palmer came off the bench and scored, solidifying their status as the future of the Three Lions.

Both players progressed through the Manchester City academy together, a year apart. They were destined to be crucial members of the England squad heading to the United States in 2026. Foden, an attacking midfielder, was made a star by Pep Guardiola, while Palmer had to leave Etihad Stadium for Chelsea to make his mark.

Now their paths converge again, but as players omitted from England's World Cup squad.

Palmer's Early Promise

Palmer was the new kid on the block in Gareth Southgate's squad two years ago, after making his first start in a pre-tournament friendly against Bosnia-Herzegovina. As Euro 2024 progressed, Palmer being left on the bench was viewed as an indicator of Southgate's negative approach. When Palmer came on against Spain, he equalized after just three minutes, vindicating Southgate's critics. At 22, he went on to be named England's men's player of the year and the PFA young player of the year. He was seen as the future of England, a player who would be part of every tournament squad for years to come.

Foden's Declining Form

Foden, then 23, would be with him every step of the way. He won the senior PFA award that year, and it was fitting that the duo would collect their trophies at the Opera House in Manchester. However, class may be permanent, but form is temporary, and this has cost both players a place at the World Cup.

Palmer scored 37 Premier League goals in his first two seasons at Chelsea. But his form dipped this season. He still bagged nine goals in 25 Premier League appearances, but there was not the same zip or flash of brilliance. Foden's form has suffered just as badly, though over a longer period. He netted six goals in five games just before Christmas, hinting at a return to form, but he hasn't scored since. It is a far cry from 19 Premier League goals and 27 in all competitions in 2023-24.

With such competition for places in the number 10 role, coach Thomas Tuchel did not have to pick his squad on reputation. Perhaps the key moment was in March when Foden was given the chance to stake his claim against Uruguay. With Harry Kane left out, Foden was deployed in the role but failed to make any impact, floating around as a peripheral figure. The experiment failed, and Foden was subbed off 11 minutes into the second half and replaced by Palmer.

Apart from a few exceptions, Tuchel has shown that reputation means little over form. If standards drop, there is a line of players waiting to take advantage. Jude Bellingham, who plays for Real Madrid, was always going to be selected by Tuchel, even though the England coach has expressed some doubts in the past. Aston Villa's Morgan Rogers has also been trusted by Tuchel, having netted Aston Villa's third goal in their 3-0 Europa League triumph over Freiburg.