Djed Spence to Wear Mask at World Cup

Djed Spence will play the World Cup wearing a protective mask after a broken jaw from a challenge with Chelsea striker Liam Delap. The 25‑year‑old full‑back said the injury will need three months to heal. He confirmed the mask will stay on for the entire tournament. Thomas Tuchel selected Spence for England’s squad ahead of fellow left‑backs Lewis Hall and Luke Shaw despite a turbulent club season. Spence’s Tottenham Hotspur campaign involved three different managers – Thomas Frank, Igor Tudor and Roberto De Zerbi – before securing Premier League survival on the final day. The selection reflects Tuchel’s belief in Spence’s quality. The broken jaw occurred five days before the season finale against Everton, where Spence first wore the mask in a match. He described the mask as uncomfortable but necessary, adding he has been training with it in the heat of Florida. The challenge with Liam Delap was described as “crazy”. Spence provided the assist for Harry Kane’s winner in England’s 1‑0 friendly victory over New Zealand in Tampa. He made his England debut in a 5‑0 win over Serbia last September and has remained in the set‑up since. He expressed gratitude to the manager for the call‑up and said he is “over the moon”. England will continue preparations in Florida, facing Costa Rica in Orlando before the 17 June World Cup opener against Croatia. Arsenal’s Declan Rice, Bukayo Saka, Noni Madueke and Eberechi Eze will join the squad, and Spence said the focus must remain on the tournament. Photo by JC Ruiz/PA shows Spence training in Florida.