Soccer-England hit by training kit theft ahead of Kansas City arrival
England's Training Equipment Stolen Before Kansas City World Cup Arrival
June 13 (Reuters) - England have suffered a theft of training equipment ahead of their arrival in Kansas City, local police said, after a vehicle transporting the gear to their World Cup base was broken into.
Details of the Incident
The incident occurred while equipment was being transferred from England's pre-tournament base in Florida to Swope Soccer Village, where it was due to be in place before the squad begin training after their arrival in Kansas City on Saturday.
Police Investigation
"We are investigating a possible theft of equipment from a team vehicle that arrived in Kansas City with items missing this evening," police said.
"The investigation is ongoing. Two subjects of interest were taken into custody pending further investigation."
Stolen Items and Media Reports
Balls and boots were among the items believed to have been stolen, according to British media reports.
Reactions and Implications
Football Association Response
The Football Association said it was a police matter and they had no information to provide.
Impact on England's World Cup Preparations
The theft could affect England's preparations for their World Cup opener against Croatia on Wednesday in Dallas.
(Reporting by Suramya Kaushik in Bengaluru, Editing by Ken Ferris)
