England could face backlash after it emerged that the plane used to transport the squad to the World Cup was previously part of the ICE Air fleet, used to carry out Donald Trump's controversial immigration crackdown.
Controversial Charter Flight
The Three Lions flew to Missouri on Saturday aboard a charter aircraft that, according to the Daily Mail, was previously used by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for deportations. The plane, operated by charter firm GlobalX, flew deportees to nations including Haiti, Mexico, Honduras, and Guatemala.
The aircraft was featured in footage shared by President Trump in March 2025, showing alleged criminals from Venezuela being offloaded by heavily armed El Salvadoran authorities. The flights sparked significant controversy at the time.
Preparations Hit by Setbacks
England's World Cup build-up has been marred by a series of problems. Ahead of their first training session on American soil, thieves stole boots belonging to key players, including Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham, along with other vital kit. The theft occurred while luggage was in transit from West Palm Beach, Florida, to England's base at Swope Soccer Village in Missouri.
Staff also reported $18,000 (£13,410) worth of equipment stolen from delivery vans, including Thomas Tuchel's analysis gear, whiteboards, and massage tables. The team is now scrambling to replace the items before their opening match against Croatia on Wednesday.
World Cup Campaign
England are among the tournament favorites and will be based in Kansas City, though their group stage fixtures take place in Dallas, Boston, and New Jersey. The FA will need to arrange further charter flights throughout the competition, with the nearest venue, Dallas, more than an hour's flight from the squad's base.
England's campaign kicks off against Croatia on Wednesday, June 17, at AT&T Stadium in Dallas, Texas.
