Djed Spence to Play Entire World Cup in Protective Mask After Broken Jaw
England full-back Djed Spence has confirmed he will wear a protective mask for the duration of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after breaking his jaw in a challenge with Chelsea striker Liam Delap during Tottenham Hotspur's penultimate Premier League match of the season. The 25-year-old, selected by manager Thomas Tuchel for the tournament in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, said the injury will take three months to fully heal.
"It's a little bit uncomfortable, but it is what it is," Spence told reporters. "I've got a broken jaw so I have to wear it throughout the tournament. It's something I will have to get used to. It'll be three months until it's fully healed, so it's a long time." Spence already wore the mask in England's 1-0 friendly win over New Zealand on June 6, where he provided the assist for Harry Kane's goal, and in Tottenham's final league game against Everton, which secured the club's Premier League survival.
The Injury and Its Aftermath
The injury occurred late in Spurs' 2-1 defeat to Chelsea, when Delap caught Spence with an elbow as both players competed for a high ball. Spence described it as a "crazy challenge" and expressed surprise that Delap was not sent off. Despite the blow, he completed the match and only later learned of the fracture. "It was painful but luckily I play football with my feet and not my jaw," Spence said. "So I was all good." He is now adapting to training and playing in the heat of Florida while wearing the mask, stating, "I've been wearing it in training, getting used to wearing it in the heat, and trying to break it in properly."
Why It Matters: England's World Cup Hopes and a Tumultuous Season
Spence's inclusion in the 26-man squad ahead of established left-backs like Lewis Hall and Luke Shaw underscores the faith Thomas Tuchel has in the versatile defender. Having made his England debut in September 2024, Spence has earned five caps and is expected to play a key role as the Three Lions begin their Group L campaign against Croatia on June 17 in Dallas, followed by matches against Ghana and Panama.
His selection comes after a difficult season at Tottenham, which saw three managers—Thomas Frank, Igor Tudor, and Roberto De Zerbi—take charge as the club narrowly avoided relegation on the final day. Spence acknowledged the challenges but maintained a forward-looking perspective. "It's been a difficult season. There's always light at the end of the tunnel and we managed to get out of a difficult situation," he said. "I just want to keep on putting in the performances to make everyone happy."
Perspective: Resilience and the Mask as a Symbol
Spence's determination to play through a painful injury reflects a broader trend of athletes prioritizing national duty despite physical setbacks. Similar to other stars who have worn protective masks in major tournaments—like Dutch midfielder Edgar Davids or, more recently, players in other sports—Spence's mask could become a defining image of England's World Cup run. The injury also highlights the physical toll of the Premier League season, where high-stakes matches often lead to controversial challenges. While Delap's elbow was not punished with a red card, Spence has moved on: "It was a crazy challenge, but it's in the past now. I've just got to focus on this tournament now."
With England aiming to win their second World Cup, following their 1966 triumph, Spence's resilience adds to a squad that already features stars like Jude Bellingham, Declan Rice, and Bukayo Saka. The team will play one more warm-up match against Costa Rica on June 10 in Orlando before the tournament opener. For fans and pundits, Spence's mask is more than just a protective device—it is a badge of commitment that could inspire his teammates. As he put it, "It shows the manager believes in me, believes in my quality, and I'm thankful for him." Meanwhile, the World Cup 2026 Opening Ceremony: Shakira, Tribute to Pele and Maradona in Mexico will set the stage for a tournament that promises drama both on and off the pitch.
Ultimately, Spence's story is one of perseverance. From a broken jaw and a relegation battle to representing his country on the biggest stage, he has proven that even a mask cannot hide his determination. Whether England can go all the way remains to be seen, but Spence's attitude—"luckily I play with my feet"—may be exactly what Tuchel's squad needs in the heat of competition.
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