KANSAS CITY: England’s World Cup preparations have been hit by the theft of equipment ahead of the team’s arrival at their training base in Kansas City on Saturday.
Balls and boots are reportedly among items stolen after vehicles transferring equipment to the team’s Swope Soccer Village base were broken into, according to BBC.
The equipment should be in place before the squad begins training after their arrival in Kansas City on Saturday.
The Football Association confirmed this to Great Britain The Press Association that an incident had taken place but was unable to provide further information as it was now a police matter.
Police in Kansas City, Missouri said Daily Mail: “We are investigating a possible theft of equipment from a team vehicle that arrived in Kansas City with items missing tonight. The investigation is ongoing.”
The BBC said it was understood two arrests have been made in connection with the incident.
Thomas Tuchel’s England will train at Swope Soccer Village for the first time at 17:00 (2200 GMT) on Saturday after moving from their pre-tournament base in Florida.
They open their World Cup campaign against Croatia on Wednesday, before further matches in Group L against Ghana and Panama.
The theft could affect England’s preparations for their World Cup opener against Croatia in Dallas.
