Police in Kansas City investigating theft of England’s training equipment

A general view of England players during a training session at Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. Pic: Bradley Collyer/PA Wire.

Police are investigating the theft of team equipment ahead of England’s arrival at their Kansas City base, the Football Association has confirmed.

Thomas Tuchel’s side land in the Midwest on Saturday afternoon as World Cup preparations go up a notch following a warm weather camp in Florida.

England arrive in Missouri dealing with an unexpected headache, with boots and balls reported to have been discovered stolen ahead of training at Swope Soccer Village on Saturday.

The FA 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.” 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.