US Police Investigate Theft of England’s Training Equipment Ahead of World Cup Clash

KANSAS CITY: In a troubling development, England’s World Cup preparations have been disrupted after a theft targeted equipment bound for their Kansas City training base ahead of their arrival on Saturday.

Reports indicate that balls, boots, and other training gear were stolen after vehicles transporting the kit to the team’s Swope Soccer Village base were broken into. The incident has triggered concern within the squad’s camp and is now under investigation by US police.

The equipment was due to be in place before the squad begin training after their arrival in Kansas City on Saturday. The Football Association confirmed to Britain's Press Association that an incident had occurred but was unable to provide further information given it was now a police matter.

The Kansas City, Missouri Police Department told British media: "We are investigating a possible theft of equipment from a team vehicle that arrived in Kansas City with items missing this evening. The investigation is ongoing."

It was understood that two arrests have been made in connection with the episode. Thomas Tuchel's England are due to train at Swope Soccer Village for the first time at 5:00 pm (2200 GMT) on Saturday after transferring from their pre-tournament base in Florida.

They open their World Cup campaign against Croatia on Wednesday, before further games in Group L against Ghana and Panama. The theft could affect England's preparations for their World Cup opener against Croatia in Dallas.