How Palmer and Foden lost ruthless Tuchel's battle for number 10 roles

Key developments are coming in from the field. How Palmer and Foden lost ruthless Tuchel's battle for number 10 rolesImage source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Phil Foden has made six appearances under Thomas TuchelByDale Johnson Football issues correspondentPublished12 minutes agoTime can move very fast in football. The expected omissions of Cole Palmer and Phil Foden from England's World Cup squad are testimony 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, Palmer came off the bench and scored as the future of the Three Lions. Two players who progressed through the Manchester City academy together, a year apart. Destined to be crucial members of the England squad which would head to the United States in 2026.

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Foden an attacking midfielder who Pep Guardiola made a star, Palmer who 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. From award winners to wildernessImage source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Cole Palmer has scored 10 goals for Chelsea this season compared to 15 in 2024-25, excluding the Club World CupPalmer had been the new kid on the block in Gareth Southgate's squad two years ago - after only making his first start in a pre-tournament friendly against Bosnia-Herzegovina.

Yet as Euro 2024 progressed, Palmer being left sitting on the bench was viewed as an indicator of Southgate's negative approach. When Palmer came on against Spain, he equalised after just three minutes. Vindication for Southgate's critics.

Palmer was only 22 at the time and went on to be named England's men's player of the year and the PFA young player of the year. He had to be the future of England, a player who would be part of every tournament squad for years to come. Foden, then 23, would be with him every step of the way.

Reactions and Expectations

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. But while class may be permanent, form - for now - 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. Those moments that had defined him had deserted him.

The World Cup squad dilemmas facing Tuchel Published14 hours agoFoden and Palmer to miss out on World Cup squad Published2 hours agoIn, or out? The joy and despair of World Cup squad selection Published11 hours agoFoden's chance gone after ineffectual Uruguay displayFoden's form has suffered just as badly as Palmer's - though over a longer period. He netted six goals in five games during a purple patch just before Christmas.

The story has climbed to the top of the sports agenda, with fans and analysts following closely.