The England team has been hit by a daring theft ahead of their World Cup opener against Croatia, with official match balls and essential training equipment reportedly stolen while in transit. Unconfirmed reports suggest boots belonging to Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham, and other squad members may also have been taken.
Incident Details
The Three Lions recently relocated their base from West Palm Beach in Florida to Swope Soccer Village in Missouri, where the incident is believed to have occurred. Staff were left scrambling to source replacements after the shipment failed to arrive in Kansas City. According to reports, only one football was left behind.
Police Investigation
Mirror Sport reports that two arrests have been made, and a police investigation is ongoing. The Football Association has been contacted for comment. Some of the missing equipment has since been recovered, according to Sky Sports.
Impact on Preparations
Thomas Tuchel’s side are due to train in Kansas City for the first time later today, but staff are working against the clock to ensure all necessary equipment is in place. A full review is underway to establish what is still available, with the FA working alongside local authorities to recover the missing items.
England had enjoyed a strong build-up in Miami, beating Costa Rica 3-0 and Miami FC 6-0 in a behind-closed-doors friendly. Tuchel had praised the preparations, saying: "We get some minutes into the legs – game minutes, not training minutes – for the three players who didn’t play... Then the players get one and a half days off, not only physically but also mentally to switch off. Well deserved."
The theft is an unwelcome setback as England aim to progress from the group stage during their three-week stay at Swope Soccer Village.
