Vehicles carrying gear from the squad’s pre-tournament training camp in Florida to their new training base at Swope Soccer Village were broken into upon arrival, with essential items such as football boots and official match balls reported missing. One source suggested almost all of the items were taken, leaving just a single ball behind.

Local police in Kansas City have launched a theft investigation, confirming that two people have been taken into custody as part of their inquiries. Authorities said the probe is ongoing after discovering the equipment was missing once the transport vehicles reached the training facility.

The Football Association (FA) has not commented in detail, citing the matter as a police issue, but is understood to be working with local officials to recover the items and minimise disruption.

England are due to hold their first training session in Kansas City and will begin their World Cup campaign against Croatia in Dallas on Wednesday.