England’s World Cup preparations have been hit by the theft of team equipment including boots and balls from the side’s Kansas City base.
Thomas Tuchel’s side arrive in the Midwest on Saturday afternoon as World Cup preparations go up a notch following a warm weather camp in Florida.
But the team have been given an unexpected headache, with the boots of star players, balls and training equipment understood to have been discovered stolen ahead of training at Swope Soccer Village.
The Football Association has confirmed to the Press Association that an incident has occurred but was unable to provide further information given it is now a police matter.
The Kansas City, Missouri Police Department told the Daily Mail: “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.”
A police spokesperson told the Guardian: “Two subjects of interest were taken into custody pending further investigation.”
England are due to train at Swope Soccer Village for the first time at 5pm local (11pm UK) on Saturday.
Tuchel’s men open their World Cup campaign against Croatia on Wednesday, before completing Group L against Ghana and Panama.
