England’s World Cup boots stolen before first training session in Kansas City
England have been the victims of a security breakdown after the team’s match boots were stolen before their first World Cup training session in Kansas City reports the Daily Mail.
Daily Mail Sport reports that boots belonging to the team’s biggest stars were pinched along with official tournament balls and key training equipment.
The theft is understood to have taken place while equipment was being transported from the squad’s pre-tournament base in Florida to their training camp at Swope Soccer Village in Missouri. Boots belonging to England’s star players were understood to be among the stolen items, along with official tournament balls and training equipment.
The Kansas City Police Department is investigating the incident and has confirmed that two suspects have been apprehended. A police spokesperson told the Guardian: “Two subjects of interest were taken into custody pending further investigation.”
Thomas Tuchel’s side will train at their base for the first time on Saturday afternoon. The Football Association declined to comment when approached by the Guardian. It will have to liaise with the local police as it attempts to retrieve the equipment.
England face Croatia in their opening Group L game in Dallas on Wednesday. The FA has meticulous plans in place as Tuchel attempts to lead the men’s side to their first piece of silverware since 1966, but the incident presents staff with a headache.
Sources say only one football was left among the cargo that remained, while there are fears that the boots belonging to the likes of Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham have also gone.
It is understood an arrest has been made. The Kansas City, Missouri Police Department said: ‘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.’
In what is a devastating blow to preparations ahead of Wednesday’s World Cup opener against Croatia, we understand security staff suspect that drivers they trusted to deliver the kit could be involved. The FA are now liaising with local police as desperate attempts are made to recover the stolen goods.
England staff had packed up all of their essential training gear to make the journey from the pre-camp in Florida to their official World Cup base. This included analysis equipment, Tuchel’s whiteboards and massage tables.
However, staff are now reeling from the robbery and face a race against time to recover or replace items central to their meticulous plans to deliver a first World Cup on foreign soil.
The FA did not comment when approached by Daily Mail Sport.
