England player Djed Spence came on as a substitute in the 79th minute in place of Jude Bellingham against Croatia in their Group K match in Houston on Wednesday.

The Tottenham Hotspur defender was playing with a broken jaw and hence needed a face mask to support his chin. He had used it during England’s friendlies before the tournament too.

Players have worn face masks in the past as well to allow them to play without discomfort. Luka Modric, Josko Gvardiol and Mateo Kovacic of Croatia are among the players who have used a mask to help them with injuries.

Published on Jun 18, 2026