Overview
- Spence suffered a fractured jaw in May after a stray elbow from Chelsea striker Liam Delap and completed that match despite the injury.
- Five days later he returned for Tottenham in specialist protective headgear and helped secure a win that confirmed the club's Premier League survival.
- He has been fitted with a custom-moulded carbon-fibre jaw guard and has worn it in training and all three World Cup group matches while adapting to the discomfort.
- Medical advice cited by the squad estimates roughly three months for a jaw fracture to heal, which is why Spence will keep the guard on for the tournament.
- With Reece James ruled out and Jarell Quansah doubtful, Spence is expected to start England's round-of-32 match against DR Congo at right-back while wearing the protective mask.