Spence Set for World Cup Stint Behind Protective Mask After Broken Jaw

England's Djed Spence is bracing himself for an uncomfortable tournament, having confirmed he will don a protective mask throughout the World Cup after breaking his jaw in a Premier League clash last month.

The Tottenham defender picked up the injury during a collision with Chelsea striker Liam Delap, forcing him to wear the protective equipment during his side's final league fixture against Everton. Speaking to the press on Monday, Spence acknowledged the discomfort but remained pragmatic about the situation.

"It's a little bit uncomfortable but it is what it is," the 25-year-old explained. "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."

Despite the setback, Spence showed no concern about being sidelined. The defender managed to complete the Chelsea match and was philosophical about the injury's impact on his game. "It was painful but luckily I play football with my feet and not my jaw. So I was all good," he added.

England's World Cup campaign kicks off in Dallas on June 17 against Croatia, with Ghana and Panama to follow in the group stage.

Meanwhile, manager Thomas Tuchel has indicated that Jude Bellingham faces genuine competition for a starting berth at the tournament. When pressed on whether the midfielder must fight for his place, Tuchel confirmed the reality of squad rotation.

"Yes, he has," Tuchel responded. "He is one of the starters, he knows he is one of the starters, but we have 14 or 15 potential starters. These roles can always change, but at the moment I think there are like 14 or 15 proper starters and Jude is one of them."

The England boss was nonetheless upbeat about Bellingham's condition heading into the tournament, noting the midfielder's sharp form in training and his eagerness following his recent injury recovery. "He looks good. He looks good in training," Tuchel said. "I think he is at the moment in a sweet spot because he has had his break and he has the hunger to be back on the pitch and after injury – this is normal. And he is so happy to be back on the pitch. You take everything in."