Spence remained on the pitch after the injury and later played with the protective guard as Tottenham secured their Premier League survival. He has since continued adapting to the equipment in training, including in hot conditions, before England’s tournament begins.
“It is a bit uncomfortable, but it is what it is. I have a broken jaw, so I have to wear it throughout the tournament,” he said.
The recovery is expected to take around three months, making the guard an unavoidable part of Spence’s World Cup experience. His willingness to continue, rather than the injury itself, has become part of his case for selection.
Spence’s inclusion has reportedly surprised some observers, with competition at left-back involving players such as Myles Lewis-Skelly, Lewis Hall and Luke Shaw. Yet Tuchel has continued to select him, valuing the defender’s ability to operate on either flank.
A natural right-back, Spence has increasingly played on the left for Tottenham. That versatility could prove important, particularly with England’s right-back options facing reported fitness concerns.
Spence accepts that the role is still a work in progress.
“Everyone knows how good I am one-v-one, but attacking from the left is different because it isn’t my natural side,” he said.
His first assist for club or country came from the left against New Zealand, when his cross created Harry Kane’s goal. The next challenge is to add more attacking consistency without losing the defensive qualities that have kept him in Tuchel’s thinking.
England’s final warm-up against Costa Rica is next, followed by a World Cup opener against Croatia. For Spence, the first storyline will be whether the protective guard restricts him - or simply becomes another part of his unlikely route to the tournament.