Mathys Tel Hits Hat-Trick as France U21s Thrash Switzerland 7-1
Mathys Tel signed off the international break with a hat-trick as France Under-21s crushed Switzerland 7-1 in Orleans, giving Tottenham a timely attacking lift before Saturday’s trip to Manchester United.
The 20-year-old is still waiting for his first Spurs goal of the campaign, but his three strikes on Tuesday capped a prolific window for France. Tel also scored in two other matches and moved onto 17 Under-21 international goals, matching Odsonne Edouard’s France record.
France had already secured their place at the 2027 European Under-21 Championship before facing Switzerland. The emphatic final result completed an unbeaten qualifying group, with eight wins from eight.
Tel admitted the record had become a personal target after repeated reminders from his brother. “My brother had been nagging me about it for months,” he said. “Eventually it was in my mind.”
He added that qualification changed the mood around the final fixtures, allowing him to play with freedom. His form could now put him in the frame for a first senior France selection when Zinedine Zidane names his squad for November’s Nations League matches.
Spurs return with injury concerns
Tottenham need Tel’s confidence to carry into the league after a troubled opening five games under Roberto De Zerbi. A 3-2 home loss to Aston Villa, their third defeat of the Premier League season, left Spurs bottom before the break.
De Zerbi was back at the training ground on Tuesday and was joined by former Tottenham player and first-team coach Gus Poyet. The pair were filmed talking at the club’s base as preparations began for the Old Trafford test.
Pedro Porro remains a concern after a hamstring issue forced the right-back to withdraw from Spain duty before the extended three-week international period. Jan Paul van Hecke also returned early from the Netherlands camp with a foot injury and could miss the Manchester United match.
There was better news on Micky van de Ven. The Tottenham captain went off late in the Netherlands’ win over Serbia after suffering a hand injury when he was stepped on, but he is expected to be available. Netherlands manager Xavi said Van de Ven had felt dizzy because of the finger problem, insisting it was not serious.
