Overview
- Djed Spence broke his jaw in May after taking an elbow while playing for Tottenham, and medical staff initially expected roughly three months for the fracture to heal.
- The 25-year-old has worn a custom-molded carbon-fiber face and jaw shield for most of the World Cup to protect the healing bone while allowing him to head the ball and engage in duels.
- During England’s quarter-final in Florida the brace began to slip because of heat and humidity, prompting Spence to remove it midway through his appearance.
- Spence has trained to adapt to the mask’s weight and restrictions but says the heavy gear is physically demanding in summer conditions, and team staff are evaluating whether the brace will be suitable for the indoor venue in Atlanta.
- The choice to wear or remove the mask could affect England’s tactical options and Spence’s role in the semi-final, and his use of the brace will also signal how close his jaw is to full recovery.