The England national soccer team has fallen victim to thieves who broke into a transport vehicle carrying their practice equipment to Kansas City, according to local law enforcement officials.
The break-in happened as the team’s gear was being moved from their Florida preparation facility to Swope Soccer Village, where the equipment was scheduled to arrive before the squad’s Saturday landing in Kansas City to begin their training regimen.
“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.”
Reports from British news outlets indicate that soccer balls and cleats were among the missing equipment.
Reuters has contacted the Football Association for comment.
The robbery may disrupt England’s World Cup preparation schedule before their opening match against Croatia on Wednesday in Dallas.
