WORLD CUP – England’s World Cup preparations were thrown into chaos on Friday night after thieves broke into transit vehicles carrying the squad’s training equipment, making off with custom match boots belonging to several star players.
The theft occurred as the team relocated from their pre-tournament base in West Palm Beach, Florida, to their new camp at Swope Soccer Village in Kansas City, Missouri.
Among the items taken were official World Cup match balls, tactical training gear, and personalized boots belonging to key players including Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham.
The custom-fit boots represent a particular blow, as players typically rely on specific pairs already broken in and tailored to their comfort ahead of major tournaments.
Investigators reportedly suspect that drivers entrusted with delivering the kit could be involved , though two individuals have already been arrested in connection with the heist.
The FA is now working closely with local police in hopes of recovering the stolen items. With England’s first full training session scheduled for Sunday, June 14 , sponsors and kit suppliers may need to scramble to fly in emergency replacements before Thomas Tuchel’s squad can get back on the training pitch.
The Three Lions are due to open their Group L campaign against Croatia on June 18, leaving little time to resolve the situation before facing a side that will look to capitalize on any distraction to England’s preparations.
