Several items of England's training kit have been recovered after a theft that included captain Harry Kane's boots, police confirmed. The incident occurred as the team traveled from Florida to their World Cup training headquarters in Missouri.
Theft and Recovery
US police were investigating the disappearance of Kane's boots and other gear after England's kit vanished en route to the Swope Soccer Village HQ in Kansas City. Manager Thomas Tuchel also lost his tactical smartboard. Police said two suspects were taken into custody, and sources told The Athletic that the missing items have now been recovered.
The stolen equipment included balls, training kit, analysis gear, whiteboards, and massage tables. Only one ball remained after the 1,238-mile, 20-hour road trip from West Palm Beach, Florida. Kansas City police are continuing their investigation.
Kane's Form and Preparations
Kane has been in outstanding form, scoring 61 goals in 51 games for Bayern Munich this season and eight in eight England appearances, totaling 69 in all competitions. He was seen wearing red, white, and blue Nike boots during a training session in Palm Beach Gardens four days ago and in the 3-0 victory over Costa Rica.
England staff had packed the gear after warm-up friendlies in Florida against New Zealand, Costa Rica, and Miami United. The theft was a setback to tournament preparations, but the team is now focused on their World Cup campaign.
Arrival in Kansas City
England's 26-man squad and backroom staff flew from Orlando to Kansas City's Wheeler Field airport. They enjoyed a night out with family before the move. Kane, Jordan Pickford, John Stones, and Elliot Anderson played golf with Brooks Koepka during downtime.
Tuchel described the switch to the World Cup HQ as 'going into the tunnel' where tension will rise. Midfielder Morgan Rogers said, 'It's show time.' The team aims to end 60 years of hurt with a second World Cup trophy.
Warm Welcome
Residents near the team hotel, the Inn at Meadowbrook, displayed Union flags to welcome England. Judi and Elvin Knight, who live next to the hotel, are supporting both England and Scotland. Scotland's first World Cup game in almost 30 years is against Haiti in Boston, with special pub licenses granted for overnight viewing.
