Djed Spence plays through broken jaw at World Cup with custom carbon-fibre mask

Djed Spence has been shielding a broken jaw behind a custom-fitted carbon-fibre mask throughout England’s run to the World Cup semi-finals, with the Tottenham Hotspur full-back set to wear the protective headgear again when the Three Lions face Argentina at the Atlanta Stadium on Wednesday.

The 25-year-old suffered a severe jaw fracture in May after taking an elbow from Chelsea striker Liam Delap during a Premier League match for Spurs. Medical professionals initially estimated a three-month recovery period, yet Spence returned to action just five days after the injury — helping Tottenham avoid relegation against Everton — and has since carried that resilience into the tournament in North America.

Spence wore the mask in every match of England’s World Cup campaign, with the sole exception of extra time in the quarter-final victory over Norway. The specialised equipment is designed to protect the still-healing fracture while allowing him to compete at the highest level under manager Thomas Tuchel.

The defender has acknowledged that wearing the heavy gear in the intense summer heat presents its own physical challenge, but has worked to adapt during training sessions ahead of each fixture. His willingness to play through significant discomfort has been one of the more quietly compelling storylines of England’s run.

Should Spence feature against Argentina, he will be aiming to help England reach a World Cup final for the first time since 1966.