England player Djed Spence came on as a substitute in the 79th minute for Jude Bellingham against Croatia in their Group K match in Houston on Wednesday.
The Tottenham Hotspur defender played with a broken jaw and therefore required a face mask to support his chin. He had also used it during England’s pre-tournament friendlies.
Players have also worn face masks in the past to play without discomfort. Croatia’s Luka Modric, Josko Gvardiol and Mateo Kovacic are among the players who have used masks to help them through injuries.
Published on June 18, 2026
