England’s World Cup preparations have been thrown into chaos after boots, official match balls and key training equipment were reportedly stolen ahead of their opening clash with Croatia.
The Three Lions recently moved their base from West Palm Beach, Florida, to the Swope Soccer Village in Kansas City, Missouri. According to reports from the Daily Mail, several items failed to arrive after the relocation, prompting an urgent search by team staff.
Among the missing items are official tournament footballs, training equipment and possibly boots belonging to star players including Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham. One report claimed only a single football was left behind.
England manager Thomas Tuchel and his squad are due to train in Kansas City today, but preparations have been disrupted as staff scramble to replace the missing equipment. Analysis gear, tactical whiteboards and massage tables were also reportedly packed for the move and later discovered missing.
Mirror Sport reported that two arrests have been made, while local police continue to investigate the incident. The Football Association has not yet issued a full statement, but officials are said to be working closely with authorities to recover the stolen items.
There was some relief for England after Sky Sports reported that part of the equipment has since been recovered. However, uncertainty remains over how much is still missing and whether players’ personal gear has been found.
The incident is an unwelcome distraction for Tuchel’s side, who had enjoyed a smooth pre-tournament camp in Miami and were building momentum ahead of the tournament. England open their campaign against Croatia next week, with hopes high of making a deep run in the competition.
For now, though, the focus in the England camp has shifted from tactics to logistics, as staff race against time to ensure the squad has everything needed before stepping onto the training pitch.
