England’s World Cup preparations remain on track after stolen equipment was recovered following a theft during the team’s journey to their tournament base in Kansas City.
The incident occurred during the squad’s 2,253-kilometre trip from their pre-tournament camp in Florida, with thieves targeting a transport van carrying team equipment.
Items reported missing included spare boots, training gear, footballs, massage tables and coaching materials belonging to manager Thomas Tuchel.
However, authorities have since recovered much of the stolen property and confirmed that two individuals are in custody as investigations continue.
“This will not affect us in any way. We remained focused on our goal,” a source close to the team said.
Initial concerns centred on the possibility that personalised equipment belonging to captain Harry Kane had been stolen, but it was later confirmed that the missing items were largely spare training equipment and footballs used for charity events rather than essential match-day gear.
An insider insisted the disruption would have no impact on England’s preparations for their opening Group C match against Croatia.
“It’ll take more than a kit heist and weather to put this team off their stride,” the source said.
Among the unusual items left untouched during the raid were team mascot Leo the Lion, a table tennis table and a World Cup match ball.
England arrived in Kansas City under police escort and have already begun training as they focus on launching their World Cup campaign on a positive note.
