Djed Spence has spoken out about his protective mask at World Cup 2026, revealing a broken jaw sustained in a Premier League tussle with Chelsea is set to keep him shielded for three months. The Tottenham full-back was left reeling after a clash involving Chelsea's Liam Delap just days before the season finale against Everton.
Spence, undeterred by the setback, made his World Cup debut as England thumped Croatia 4-2 in Dallas, coming on in the 80th minute. This marked a significant milestone for the 25-year-old, who has consistently impressed Gareth Southgate since earning a senior call-up last September.
The incident that led to Spence's injury was deemed 'crazy' by the player himself, but he remains focused on the task at hand – helping England conquer the World Cup. He'd already donned the protective mask in Tottenham's final match against Everton, hinting at his willingness to adapt and soldier on despite the discomfort.
Tottenham's narrow escape from relegation may have been a tumultuous affair, but Spence has emerged as one of the standout performers under Gareth Southgate. He secured his place in the World Cup squad ahead of other left-back hopefuls like Lewis Hall and Luke Shaw, showcasing the manager's faith in his abilities.
Spence proved his worth on the pitch too, providing the assist for Harry Kane's decisive goal in England's 1-0 friendly win over New Zealand. Despite the mask's inconvenience, he vowed to get used to it: "It's a bit uncomfortable, but it is what it is. I've got a broken jaw, so I'll have to wear it throughout the tournament."
With England gearing up for their opening World Cup fixture against Croatia on June 17th, Spence will be eager to put his injury woes behind him and make a lasting impact on the global stage.