England's squad faced a setback after their training equipment was stolen just ahead of their arrival at the team base in Kansas City, Missouri.
The incident occurred while the gear was being transported from the team’s pre-tournament camp in Florida to Swope Soccer Village, the venue that was expected to be ready before players begin training upon arriving in Kansas City on Saturday (local time).
According to British media, balls and boots were among the items taken. Kansas City police are investigating the case. In a statement, the police said: “We are investigating a possible theft of equipment from a team vehicle upon its arrival in Kansas City. Two suspects have been detained as part of the investigation.”
The theft could disrupt England’s preparations for their World Cup opener against Croatia on Wednesday in Dallas. The team is scheduled to reach the World Cup base on Saturday after training in Florida to acclimatize to hot and humid conditions. The Three Lions have already played friendlies against New Zealand and Costa Rica in Tampa Bay and Orlando.
Algeria, Argentina, and the Netherlands have also set up camp in or near Kansas City.
