Djed Spence is wearing a facial protection mask during this summer’s World Cup. The Tottenham defender started England’s Round of 32 game at right-back against DR Congo.Spence is wearing a face mask at the World CupAFPSpence has featured in every game at the World Cup so far despite nursing an injury.Why is Spence wearing a mask?Spence suffered a broken jaw when playing for Spurs in May in their 2-1 defeat at rivals Chelsea.He attempted to win the ball in his own half but was clattered by the left arm of Blues striker Liam Delap.Spence went down clutching the left side of his face, but managed to play the rest of the Premier League fixture.The 25-year-old returned to action in their final match of the season, a 1-0 win over Everton, and wore a mask throughout the 90 minutes.Now at the World Cup, Spence will still have to wear protective gear as he continues his recovery.“It is a little bit uncomfortable, but it is what it is,” he 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. Spence suffered a broken jaw from a challenge by DelapGetty“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.”Broken jaw? No botherJust three days after suffering his nasty injury, Spence was officially named in the England squad for the World Cup.The World Cup will be Spence’s first major tournament for EnglandGettyHe had never played for the senior national team before the arrival of head coach Thomas Tuchel in January 2025.Spence told talkSPORT in the USA: “It was an amazing feeling [to be picked], a surreal feeling. I’m grateful to be here. I was happy, of course.”When asked if he ever doubted his place after a tough season with Spurs, Spence added: “No, not really. It’s never a given to be picked, but I wasn’t really worried. “I’ve been to the last four camps and I played well and I know the manager likes me. So, no, I wasn’t really worried.”Spence won his tenth England cap against DR Congo.World Cup WhatsAppDon't miss an update from talkSPORT in our dedicated World Cup WhatsApp channel.Search for ‘talkSPORT World Cup’ in your ‘Updates’ tab on WhatsApp and we’ll drop the proper, unfiltered football chat straight to your lock screen—no fluff, just pure talkSPORT energy.It’s where you’ll find out all the new rules to watch out for, England and Scotland reaction and big match player ratings. Plus there will be loads of debates on the biggest talking points as Haaland, Mbappe, Kane and the biggest names in football descend on America, Canada and Mexico.