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MATHYS TEL could be in line for a shock call-up to the French national team.
The forward has been experiencing a rich vein of form with Roberto De Zerbi‘s resurgent Tottenham side.
Spurs have won three league fixtures in a row, with Tel starting the latter two on the left wing against Chelsea and Crystal Palace.
His glorious solo run and finish to seal the three points at Stamford Bridge was even nominated for the Premier League Goal of the Month award for October.
The former Bayern Munich youngster has not had the smoothest of transitions to the English game since arriving on loan with an option to buy in February 2025.
But he seems to have found his feet now, and has done enough to reportedly find himself in international contention.
According to L’Equipe, the 21-year-old is being looked at by new France boss Zinedine Zidane for a spot in his 23-man squad, set to be announced on Friday.
The French unit will take on Turkey and Italy in the Nations League, with Les Bleus currently top of Group A.
The Real Madrid legend is without first-choice options Ousmane Dembele and Esteban Lepaul in forward areas, with Tel able to deputise in the No9 role when called upon.
He is no stranger to international football, having featured for a number of age groups right up to U21.
Friday 6 November
Saturday 7 November
Monday 2 November
Newcastle
Everton
Sunday 1 November
Liverpool
Arsenal
Saturday 31 October
Villa
Fulham
Spurs
Palace
Man City
Brighton
Last month he scored a hat-trick while captaining the side against Switzerland U21, which has helped boost his chances of breaking into the first team alongside his club performances.
But he still faces stiff competition from the likes of Inter Milan attacker Marcus Thuram.
The towering forward has been a regular in the French national side in recent years, and starred for the team at the last two World Cups.
He has scored five times and assisted twice in the opening nine games of the Serie A season, and boasts 35 caps for his country.
But if there was ever a time to experiment, now would be the time.
Zidane has had just one international break with the team before now – and with a healthy lead on his Group A rivals, now would be the moment to see who else could fit into his future plans.