‘Luckily I play with my feet’: Spence talks up World Cup hopes despite broken jaw

Published 8 June 2026 · sports

England defender getting used to protective brace and hopeful of contributing to Tuchel’s tournament effort In the disorientation of the moment, as Djed Spence lay

England defender getting used to protective brace and hopeful of contributing to Tuchel’s tournament effort In the disorientation of the moment, as Djed Spence lay on the turf, the pain radiating from the left side of his jaw, it was tempting to wonder what flashed through his mind.

The Tottenham full-back had been cleaned out by the elbow of Chelsea’s Liam Delap in the closing stages of the penultimate game of the Premier League season. Spence had eyes only for the high ball while Delap looked directly at his opponent before spinning and throwing out his left arm.

For starters, there had to be surprise that Delap was not sent off. “Yeah, it was a crazy challenge,” Spence says. What about his involvement in Spurs’ final match of their relegation battle at home against Everton? And beyond that, the World Cup?

Did he fear it might be all over for him? Continue reading...

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