What is Djed Spence wearing on his face vs Panama? England star’s headgear explained

Need to know

1. Djed Spence has been wearing a custom-made protective jaw guard during England’s games at the World Cup. The headgear is being specially worn by the Tottenham defender as he recovers from a broken jaw.
2. The injury occurred during a Premier League clash between Spurs and Chelsea in May. Spence was struck in the face by Liam Delap’s elbow as the Chelsea striker challenged for a high ball. Despite this painful fracture, the defender still completed the full 90 minutes for Tottenham.
3. After the fracture’s severity was confirmed, a protective guard was fitted to help the 25-year-old play safely. Spence began wearing the headgear and was first spotted sporting it against Everton five days after the Chelsea match.
4. Fans were especially pleased that Spence was able to compete as Spurs secured a 1-0 win over the Toffees. This win gave the north Londoners three points they desperately needed to remain in the Premier League.
5. Discussing his recovery and the mask, Spence said: “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. 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.”
6. The Tottenham star was also spotted wearing the jaw guard during England’s World Cup warm-up matches against Costa Rica and New Zealand. He wore it during the final 10 minutes of his country’s opening win against Croatia, and for the first hour of England’s draw with Ghana.
7. Medical experts have estimated that Spence will need three months for his jawbone to fully heal. With this time frame in place, the defender is expected to wear the guard for the entire World Cup.
8. England will hope to bounce back from a 0-0 draw with Ghana as they take on Panama in their final group stage game at the World Cup. The Three Lions have already secured a win as they triumphed 4-2 over Croatia in their opening clash.
9. READ MORE: Jude Bellingham takes advantage after FIFA change World Cup rule

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