Djed Spence is donning a protective chin mask during England's World Cup group stage match against Ghana tonight, following a broken jaw sustained in a Premier League clash in May. The Tottenham Hotspur defender was named in the starting XI by manager Thomas Tuchel, replacing Nico O'Reilly at left-back, and will wear the protective gear for the entire contest.
Injury Details
The former Middlesbrough player suffered the injury during Tottenham's Premier League meeting with Chelsea, when he was elbowed in the face by Blues striker Liam Delap. The challenge left Spence with a fractured jaw, requiring him to wear a mask. He first used it in the final game of the season against Everton, where Spurs secured a crucial win to avoid relegation to the Championship. Spence is expected to continue wearing the mask for the duration of the World Cup in Mexico, Canada, and the United States.
Player Reaction
Spence expressed frustration over the 'crazy' challenge that caused the injury but has adapted to the mask during training. 'It is a little bit uncomfortable – but it is what it is,' Spence said. 'I have a broken jaw so I have to wear it throughout the tournament. It is something I will have to get used to. It will be three months until it is fully healed, so it is a long time. It was painful, but luckily I play football with my feet and not my jaw so it is all good. I have been wearing it in training, getting used to wearing it in the heat, and trying to break it in properly. It was a crazy challenge, but it is in the past now. I’ve just got to focus on this tournament now.'
World Cup Context
England kicked off their World Cup campaign with a 4-2 victory over Croatia. A win against Ghana tonight would secure their place in the knockout stages of the tournament. Spence's presence, even with the mask, adds defensive stability as England aims to advance.
