England defender Djed Spence will once again wear a protective face mask when the Three Lions face Mexico in the World Cup last 16 match. The Tottenham Hotspur full-back sustained a broken jaw from a challenge by Liam Delap during Tottenham's penultimate Premier League fixture of last season.
Injury Details and Recovery Timeline
Spence, 25, revealed before the tournament that the injury would take approximately three months to fully heal. He has been compelled to wear the mask throughout the World Cup, describing the challenge as "crazy."
"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."
Adapting to the Mask
Spence has been training with the mask to acclimatise, especially in hot conditions. "I have been wearing it in training, getting used to wearing it in the heat, and trying to break it in properly," he added. Despite the pain, he noted that playing football involves using his feet, not his jaw, so he can continue.
Role in England's World Cup Squad
Spence has become a key option for manager Thomas Tuchel, selected ahead of Newcastle United's Lewis Hall and Manchester United's Luke Shaw. He is competing for the right-back position with Reece James, who is nearing full fitness.
"It shows the manager believes in me," said the nine-cap international. "He believes in my quality and I'm thankful for him. I just want to keep on putting in the performances to make everyone happy. It is a huge honour to play for your country, it is a big thing. I'm over the moon and happy to be here."
Reflecting on a Difficult Season
Looking back on a challenging campaign with Tottenham, Spence commented: "It has been a difficult season, but there is always light at the end of the tunnel. We managed to get out of a difficult situation, so we have to move forward. Hopefully this World Cup will be a good one."
England aims to secure a place in the quarter-finals, with either Norway or Brazil awaiting them in the next round.
