Tottenham’s Djed Spence has now explained how he is coping with his jaw injury as he continues to prepare for the 2026 World Cup tournament.
Not many would have expected Tottenham Hotspur‘s Djed Spence to receive a call-up to the England squad for the 2026 World Cup finals.
However, in a surprising turn of events, the versatile full-back earned a place in the squad and remains the only Spurs player representing the Three Lions.
He is now with the England camp in the USA ahead of the tournament, which kicks off in two days, and he gave a good account of himself in England’s last outing against New Zealand, providing the assist for Harry Kane’s winner in a 1-0 victory.
Tottenham star Djed Spence opens up on broken jaw
Spence has been playing with a broken jaw, an injury he suffered during Tottenham’s penultimate league game of the season against Chelsea.
The injury has forced the full-back to wear a protective mask, something he is expected to continue using for some time. With matches set to be played in the heat of the United States, it presents an added challenge for the defender.
Speaking about the challenge from Liam Delap and the injury that followed, Spence admitted it was a painful moment but insisted he was never overly concerned. He told The Guardian: “Yeah, it was a crazy challenge.”
The England international then revealed he was not particularly worried about the setback, adding: “No, not really. It was painful but luckily I play football with my feet and not my jaw. So I was all good.”
Spence will no doubt be pleased that the injury did not prevent him from earning a World Cup call-up. He also discussed the challenge of adapting to playing with a protective mask and how he is coping with the conditions.
Speaking about the adjustment, he said: “It is a little bit uncomfortable but it is what it is. I have got 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. I have been wearing it in training, getting used to it in the heat and just trying to fit it properly, break it in.”
Djed Spence discusses versatility and World Cup role
While a player’s versatility can often be a hindrance, Spence‘s own adaptability has proven to be a blessing in disguise, with his ability to operate on both flanks seemingly helping him secure a place in England’s World Cup squad.
Traditionally a right-back, Tottenham’s injury problems forced him to adapt to playing on the left, and that is where he has featured for England so far. He beat the likes of Myles Lewis-Skelly, Lewis Hall and Luke Shaw to a World Cup call-up.
| Position | Appearances | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|
| Right-Back | 109 | 4 | 5 |
| Right Midfield | 82 | 3 | 4 |
| Left-Back | 65 | 1 | 2 |
| Left Midfield | 8 | – | – |
| Centre-Back | 1 | – | – |
| Total | 265 | 8 | 11 |
Discussing his ability to play on either side, Spence explained why versatility has become one of his biggest strengths.
He said: “I am naturally a right-back, but I have been playing left-back for a couple of years now. I am still learning the position, still trying to get better, but versatility is a good strength to have. I have not played on the right for a long time, but it is still a strong position for me and hopefully I might be out there on the right in this tournament. But, if not, I am happy to be there on the left. It is my position now.”
While Spence possesses great pace and is strong in one-v-one defending – something he prides himself on and highlighted during the season when wingers often found themselves locked up in the infamous “Spence penitentiary” – the full-back admits he still wants to improve his output in the final third.
Speaking about the next area of his game he wants to develop, Spence added: “Yeah, definitely. Everyone knows how good I am one v one but going forward is a bit different playing on the left because it is not my natural side going forward. There is still stuff I can improve on and I have got to try to get more numbers.”
The defender also addressed his relationship with England’s Arsenal contingent after poking fun at them following their Champions League final defeat in Budapest.
When asked whether he expected some banter in return, Spence insisted the focus remains firmly on the World Cup. He replied: “No. No jokes, no jokes. We have to focus on the tournament and hopefully it is going to be a good one. We can joke afterwards.”