Prosecutors in the United States have released a full list of items allegedly stolen from an England team van ahead of the World Cup. Two men have been arrested and charged in connection with the theft.
Charges Filed
Both individuals face one count of Receiving Stolen Property. The equipment was packed as the squad prepared to travel from their training camp in West Palm Beach to their World Cup base in Kansas City. Backroom staff were shocked when the equipment did not arrive.
Recovered Items
All items have now been recovered ahead of England's opening match against Croatia on Thursday. The squad also faces Ghana and Panama in the group stage.
The Jackson County Prosecutor confirmed the list of 14 elements, approximately 26 items, valued at around $18,000 (£14,500):
- 1 red signed shirt - $5,000 (£3,700)
- 2 white signed shirts - $10,000 (£7,500)
- 1 World Cup ball - £160
- 1 pair of goalkeeper gloves - £120
- 4 navy shorts
- 4 navy shirts
- 4 light blue long-sleeve shirts
- 2 stuffed lions
- Multifunctional power strips - $40 (£30)
- 1 JBL speaker - $149.95 (£112)
- 1 Nike Air shoe Lego set - $99.99 (£75)
Official Statements
Prosecutor Melesa Johnson said: "Jackson County will not tolerate any criminal activity that targets World Cup visitors, including the international teams that have traveled here to compete. We thank the Kansas City Police Department and our on-call attorneys for their quick work investigating this incident and filing charges immediately. Our office is committed to holding these individuals accountable."
Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas added: "I am grateful for the quick work of the Kansas City Police Department and the Prosecutor’s Office in resolving an investigation across several states, helping crime victims recover goods stolen in transit, and ensuring the accused will face prosecution. Kansas City’s public safety leadership will continue to ensure all are safe and offenders will be held accountable swiftly for any misconduct."
Squad Reaction
The squad has arrived in Kansas City to a rapturous welcome. When asked about the stolen items, goalkeeper Dean Henderson said: "My boots? I’ve got them on my feet so it’s all good. We got them all back so it’s nice."
