Djed Spence to Wear Protective Mask at 2026 World Cup After Broken Jaw
England and Tottenham defender Djed Spence suffered a broken jaw from a forearm challenge by Chelsea’s Liam Delap in the penultimate Premier League match of the season. Despite the injury, Spence finished the game, helped Spurs avoid relegation, and was called up to England’s 2026 World Cup squad by manager Thomas Tuchel. He now wears a custom protective face mask throughout the tournament, having tested it in friendlies against New Zealand and Costa Rica. The injury is expected to take three months to fully heal.
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Reason why Djed Spence is wearing a face mask against Norway explained
England defender Djed Spence is wearing a protective carbon-fibre face mask during the 2026 World Cup due to a broken jaw sustained in a Premier League match against Chelsea in May 2026. The Tottenham Hotspur full-back suffered the injury after a collision with Chelsea striker Liam Delap. Medical experts estimated a three-month recovery, forcing Spence to use the custom-moulded mask to play in the tournament. Despite discomfort in the heat, he has adapted during training and maintained a positive attitude, joking that he plays with his feet, not his jaw. England manager Thomas Tuchel has trusted Spence, who featured in group stages and the knockout win over Mexico. He is expected to play a major role in the crucial quarter-final against Norway.
Mirror - FootballWhy Djed Spence is wearing a face mask for England vs Mexico at the 2026 World Cup
England defender Djed Spence is wearing a protective face mask during the 2026 World Cup last-16 match against Mexico due to a broken jaw sustained in May 2026. The injury occurred during a Premier League match between Tottenham and Chelsea when he took an elbow from striker Liam Delap. Despite the fracture, Spence finished the match and debuted the mask five days later against Everton. The custom-moulded carbon-fiber mask is designed to absorb shocks and protect his healing jaw, which requires roughly three months to fully recover. It complies with FIFA regulations and allows Spence to head the ball and engage in physical duels safely. Spence has adapted to the mask during warm-weather training sessions and maintains a positive attitude, joking that he plays with his feet, not his jaw. The mask gives him confidence to defend aggressively against Mexico's physical attack.
Mirror - FootballDjed Spence wears face mask for England at World Cup 2026 due to broken jaw
England and Tottenham Hotspur full-back Djed Spence is wearing a custom carbon-fibre face mask during the 2026 FIFA World Cup after suffering a broken jaw in a Premier League match against Chelsea in May 2025. The injury occurred when he was accidentally elbowed by Chelsea striker Liam Delap. Despite the injury, Spence played through the remainder of that match and later helped Tottenham secure survival. Medical experts estimate a three-month recovery period, requiring him to wear the protective headgear throughout the tournament. Spence has acknowledged the mask is uncomfortable but is adapting. England manager Thomas Tuchel has trusted Spence despite Tottenham's difficult season, using him at both left-back and right-back. With first-choice right-back Reece James sidelined by a hamstring injury and backup Jarell Quansah doubtful with an ankle issue, Spence is expected to start against DR Congo in the last-32 round.
Mirror - FootballDjed Spence Wears Protective Jaw Guard for England vs Croatia at World Cup 2026
England's World Cup 2026 campaign begins against Croatia in Dallas, with Tottenham defender Djed Spence wearing a custom-made protective jaw guard. The guard is necessary because Spence is recovering from a broken jaw sustained in a Premier League match against Chelsea in May, when Chelsea striker Liam Delap elbowed him. Spence completed that match despite the injury and began wearing the brace five days later. He tested the guard in recent friendlies against New Zealand and Costa Rica. Medical staff estimate the jaw will take three months to heal fully. England's Group L also includes matches against Ghana on June 23 in Foxborough and Panama on June 27 in East Rutherford.
Mirror - FootballWhy Djed Spence is wearing a protective face mask for England vs Costa Rica before World Cup 2026
England defender Djed Spence suffered a fractured jaw during Tottenham's penultimate Premier League match against Chelsea, after being elbowed by striker Liam Delap. Despite the injury, he finished the game and played a crucial role in securing Spurs' survival. The fracture requires three months to heal, forcing Spence to wear a custom protective mask throughout the 2026 World Cup. He has been breaking in the gear during England's warm-up sessions in Florida, including a 45-minute appearance against New Zealand where he assisted Harry Kane's winner. FIFA regulations permit such lightweight masks if cleared by match officials. Spence remains unfazed, stating he plays football with his feet, not his jaw. England faces Costa Rica in their final pre-tournament friendly before opening against Croatia.
Mirror - FootballDjed Spence Wears Protective Mask for England at World Cup
Djed Spence, a Tottenham Hotspur defender, is wearing a protective mask while playing for England in the FIFA World Cup. The article, published on June 9, 2026, by Yardbarker Soccer, notes that fans may have observed the mask during his first World Cup appearance. The reason for the mask is described as 'crazy,' though the full text does not elaborate on the specific injury or incident. The mask is likely due to a facial injury, a common practice in football to protect players from further harm. The article highlights Spence's debut at the tournament and the unusual nature of the protective gear.
Yardbarker: SoccerSpence: Delap Gave Me a Broken Jaw; Wearing Face Mask at World Cup Uncomfortable
England and Tottenham full-back Djed Spence described Liam Delap's tackle that broke his jaw as 'crazy,' revealing he will need to wear a protective mask throughout the World Cup. The injury occurred in the final week of the Premier League season when Chelsea forward Delap struck Spence with his forearm during a challenge; referee Stuart Atwell only issued a yellow card. Spence's broken jaw will take three months to heal, and he finds wearing the mask in hot conditions uncomfortable. Despite the injury, Spence played in Spurs' final Premier League match and was selected for England by coach Thomas Tuchel, who cited his speed. Spence, primarily a right-back, has been playing left-back recently and set up Harry Kane's winning goal against New Zealand from that position. He acknowledges the challenge of adapting to the left side but values his versatility.
虎扑 - 足球England's Djed Spence to Wear Protective Mask at World Cup After Breaking Jaw
Tottenham Hotspur defender Djed Spence will wear a protective face mask throughout the 2026 World Cup after suffering a broken jaw from a challenge by Chelsea striker Liam Delap in the penultimate Premier League match of the season. Despite the injury and a difficult season battling relegation with Spurs, Spence was a surprise call-up by England manager Thomas Tuchel, who values his versatility as both a right-back and left-back and his one-on-one defending ability. Spence provided an assist for Harry Kane in a friendly win over New Zealand and insists the mask will not hinder his performance, stating he plays with his feet, not his jaw. He expects the injury to take three months to fully heal.
Mirror - Football