Mathys Tel Hits France U21 Hat-Trick to Match Edouard Scoring Record
Mathys Tel struck a hat-trick as France Under-21s crushed Switzerland 7-1 in Orleans on Tuesday, drawing level with Odsonne Edouard as Les Bleuets’ record scorer on 17 goals.
The 21-year-old now returns to Tottenham with a major international boost, although he is still waiting for his first Premier League goal of the campaign ahead of Saturday’s difficult trip to Manchester United.
Tel matches France Under-21 record
- France had already booked their place at the 2027 European Under-21 Championship before facing Switzerland.
- They completed qualifying without defeat, winning all eight matches in their group.
- Tel added three goals in the 7-1 win at Orleans, having also scored in each of France’s other two matches during the international break.
- His treble took him to 17 Under-21 international goals, matching Edouard’s all-time France record at this age level.
Tel said the landmark had been on his mind, revealing his brother had repeatedly reminded him of the target over recent months. He also felt France’s secured qualification allowed him to play with greater freedom against the Swiss.
His form may put him on the radar of France senior coach Zinedine Zidane before November’s Nations League fixtures.
Tottenham injury problems grow before Old Trafford
Spurs are bottom of the Premier League after losing 3-2 at home to Aston Villa, their third defeat across the opening five league games. Roberto De Zerbi now faces significant uncertainty in defence for the visit to Manchester United.
- Pedro Porro withdrew from the Spain squad before the extended three-week international break because of a hamstring problem.
- Jan Paul van Hecke left the Netherlands camp early with a foot issue.
- Tottenham captain Micky van de Ven picked up a hand injury after being stepped on in the Netherlands’ win over Serbia.
Netherlands manager Xavi played down concern over Van de Ven, saying the defender was fine and had only felt dizzy after hurting a finger, rather than suffering a serious injury.
De Zerbi was seen in relaxed conversation with former player and current first-team coach Gus Poyet in a club video on Tuesday, but the Italian will need answers quickly. If Porro and Van Hecke are unavailable, Tottenham will be forced into a defensive reshuffle against United’s attacking line.
What happens next: Tel will look to carry his France scoring streak into a Tottenham side still searching for momentum, while De Zerbi awaits fitness updates on his depleted back line before Saturday’s match at Old Trafford.
