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Djed Spence wouldn't miss this.
But he's not playing totally unencumbered at the 2026 FIFA World Cup for England. He's got a jaw brace on his face after an injury.
It doesn't look ideal, but the fullback is doing what he can to be on the pitch.
Spence plays his club football for Tottenham Hotspur, and this World Cup is the biggest stage he's ever been on.
MORE: Singing Hey Jude as Bellingham sets epic World Cup record
Why is Djed Spence wearing that on his face?
Spence is still recovering from a broken jaw, so he needs that brace/shield to protect his face.
He got hurt in May as Spurs took on Chelsea in the English Premier League.
Spence took an elbow to the face from Liam Delap that broke his jaw.
Spence actually finished that match against Chelsea despite the injury, and he was back as a sub five days later.
MORE: An on-brand finish to Neymar's Brazil career
According to the Mirror, a broken jaw can take three months to recover, so Spence is protecting it in the meantime.
The Mirror adds: "The mask is a custom-molded, carbon-fiber shield designed specifically to absorb shocks and protect his healing bone. It covers his jawline, allowing him to confidently head the ball and engage in physical duels."
Spence may not be stylish, but he is safer like this -- and most importantly, able to be on the field.
More FIFA World Cup news:
- USA, England can meet on the biggest World Cup stage
- Why Norway brought 600 pounds of salmon to the World Cup
- Lamine Yamal's little brother is going viral
- With Messi, history and magic go hand in hand
- How Folarin Balogun is allowed to play vs. Belgium after red card
Billy Heyen
Billy Heyen is a freelance writer with The Sporting News. He is a 2019 graduate of Syracuse University who spent his senior year following Jim Boeheim's basketball team around the country. His reporting work has also included extensive high school sports coverage at the Sandusky Register and Rochester Democrat & Chronicle. Adventures in sports writing have also led to in-person coverage of the Buffalo Sabres, Cleveland Guardians, U.S. men's national soccer team and a variety of minor league baseball stories. When people ask if he's seen a movie, the answer is usually "No, I was probably watching sports." Even away from sports, his main hobby is running (much slower than any athlete in these pages).
Source: Sporting News
