Why Tottenham U21s loss at Ebbsfleet doesn't tell the whole story

Tottenham Under-21s started their pre-season campaign in a disappointing manner on Saturday with defeat to Ebbsfleet.

Spurs were expected to overcome the National League South side at Stonebridge Road Stadium, but it was not to be.

Reiss Elliott-Parris scored just 34 seconds after coming off the Tottenham bench to cancel out Daniel Ogunleye's opener.

It was a well-taken finish from the youngster as he cut inside and curled home, but Olly Box found a second for Ebbsfleet before half-time.

Spurs were unable to find another leveller as they were defeated 2-1 by the non-league side.

The loss raised a few eyebrows on social media, but it is fair to say it does not tell the whole story.

Tottenham U21s without a number of players for pre-season opener

It has to be noted that Spurs U21s were playing their first game since last season.

By comparison, this was Ebbsfleet's fifth match of July as they gear up for the start of their league campaign in a few weeks' time.

Spurs are very much at the start of their preparations for the 2026-27 campaign and that told.

Not only that, Wayne Burnett was without a number of players for various reasons.

As pointed out by Lilywhite Rose on X, Jun'ai Byfield, Callum Olusesi and George Abbott were among those absent through injury.

Harry Byrne, Jamie Donley, Tye Hall, Will Lankshear, Rio Kyerematen and Ash Phillips are all with the first team, meanwhile.

It meant Spurs therefore fielded a below-full-strength side, which very much told.

Why Roberto De Zerbi will have close eye on U21s

Roberto De Zerbi has already plucked a handful of the youngsters to train with the senior side during

Expect that to continue, with this the one time of the year the youngsters get a chance to truly catch the senior manager's eye.

Lankshear is one of those with a bright Tottenham future, having now gained senior experience out on loan.

More youngsters will likely be loaned out before the end of the transfer window, with the ultimate aim to eventually become regulars at senior level.