Spence to play entire World Cup in mask after Delap broke his jaw in final weeks of season

Djed Spence will wear a protective face mask for every minute of England’s World Cup campaign after Tottenham team-mate Liam Delap — playing for Chelsea — broke his jaw in the penultimate Premier League fixture of the season. The Spurs full-back, named in Thomas Tuchel’s 26-man squad despite a turbulent club season, says the injury will not derail his international debut on the biggest stage in football.

“It was painful but luckily I play football with my feet and not my jaw so I was all good,” Spence said. “I’ve been wearing it in training, getting used to it in the heat and just trying to fit it in properly. It’s a little bit uncomfortable. But it is what it is — I’ve got a broken jaw so I have to wear it throughout the tournament.”

Spence estimates a full recovery is still three months away, meaning the mask will be a constant companion from the group stage through to any potential final. He described Delap’s challenge as “crazy” but said he had quickly moved on mentally: “It’s in the past now so just got to focus on this tournament.”

The 24-year-old’s inclusion surprised many given Spurs spent large portions of the campaign fighting relegation and Spence himself lost his place and form at various points. Yet Tuchel held firm, identifying Spence as the fastest player in the squad and praising his ability as a one-on-one defender.

Spence has also demonstrated his value in England’s opening friendly against New Zealand in the United States, providing the assist for Harry Kane’s goal with a characteristic cut inside from left back onto his stronger right foot — a move that has become his calling card since switching flanks.

“It shows the manager believes in me, believes in my quality and I’m thankful for him,” Spence said. “It’s a huge honour to play for your country. I’m over the moon to be here.”

Naturally a right back, Spence has spent the past two seasons adapting to the left side and says he is still refining the position. Tuchel’s decision to reward that versatility — and his willingness to play through pain — underlines why the England head coach views him as a genuine option across the defensive line for the tournament.