Djed Spence plays through broken jaw at World Cup with custom protective guard

Djed Spence is competing at the World Cup with a broken jaw, protected by a custom-made guard fitted after the Tottenham defender suffered a fracture during a Premier League match against Chelsea in May.

The 25-year-old was struck in the face by Chelsea striker Liam Delap’s elbow as the two challenged for a high ball. Despite the severity of the injury, Spence completed the full 90 minutes for Spurs before the fracture was confirmed and the protective headgear was fitted.

He was first spotted wearing the guard five days later against Everton — a match Tottenham won 1-0, a result that proved vital in their bid to retain Premier League status. Spence has worn it in every appearance since, including England’s World Cup warm-up games against Costa Rica and New Zealand, and throughout the tournament itself.

“It’s a little bit uncomfortable, but it is what it is,” Spence said of the mask. “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.”

Medical experts have estimated a full three-month recovery period for the jawbone, meaning Spence is expected to wear the guard for the entirety of the World Cup.

He featured during the final ten minutes of England’s opening 4-2 win over Croatia and played the first hour of their subsequent 0-0 draw with Ghana. England now face Panama in their final group-stage fixture, needing a result to advance with momentum from the group stage.