England’s World Cup preparations have been rocked after thieves stole the team’s match boots and training equipment while it was being transported from their pre-tournament base in Florida to their training camp in Kansas City.
The theft occurred as vehicles carrying the equipment arrived at Swope Soccer Village on Friday. Boots belonging to star players Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham were among the items taken, along with official tournament balls and training gear — leaving staff with only one football, according to reports. Analysis equipment, Thomas Tuchel’s whiteboards, and massage tables were also packed and have gone missing.
“England's match boots and training equipment stolen in transit from Florida to Kansas City ahead of World Cup opener.”
Kansas City police confirmed two arrests had been made. “Two subjects of interest were taken into custody pending further investigation,” a police spokesperson told the Guardian. Officers were on site Friday night dealing with the matter, and the Football Association is working with local police to recover the stolen goods. Sky Sports reported that some equipment has since been recovered.
The FA declined to comment when approached by the Guardian. The theft presents a major headache for Tuchel, who had been buoyed by positive friendlies against New Zealand and Costa Rica. “We get some minutes into the legs – game minutes, not training minutes,” Tuchel said after a 6-0 win over Miami FC. “We can manage that.”
England players will undertake their first full training session on Sunday, but staff are now in a race against time to replace the missing items before the World Cup opener against Croatia in Dallas on Wednesday (21:00 BST). The incident threatens to disrupt Tuchel's meticulous planning as he seeks to lead England to their first silverware since 1966.