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Djed Spence has drawn plenty of attention this summer for his distinctive appearance on the pitch while representing England.

The 25-year-old defender came on as a substitute in England’s 4-2 victory over Croatia in their opening game, and then started at left-back against Ghana on Tuesday. On both occasions, Spence wore a unique protective mask that covers his cheeks, jaw, and chin.

However, the mask is not a fashion statement or a themed tribute. It is actually a medical precaution resulting from an injury sustained shortly before the tournament. The Tottenham Hotspur full-back suffered a serious facial injury in May after being struck by Chelsea striker Liam Delap’s elbow during a Premier League encounter between the two sides.

That blow left Spence with a fractured jaw. Just five days later, he appeared for Tottenham in their crucial season finale against Everton, wearing the same protective gear as Spurs secured their Premier League safety with a 1-0 win. Since then, Spence has continued to use the custom-fitted head protection and is expected to wear it throughout the remainder of the World Cup, and possibly into the start of the next domestic campaign.

Speaking about the experience, Spence said, “It is a little bit uncomfortable — but it is what it is. I have a broken jaw so I have to wear it throughout the tournament. It is something I will have to get used to.”

He continued, “It will be three months until it is fully healed, so it is a long time. It was painful, but luckily I play football with my feet and not my jaw so it is all good. It was a crazy challenge, but it is in the past now. I’ve just got to focus on this tournament now. I have been wearing it in training, getting used to wearing it in the heat, and trying to break it in properly.”

Spence’s mask, which features personalised detailing, adds a unique touch to his look but serves a critical protective purpose as he recovers from the injury.

England will conclude their group stage fixtures at the World Cup with a clash against Panama at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on Saturday. Kick-off is scheduled for 5 p.m. local time, which is 10 p.m. in the UK.