Kansas: The theft occurred while England’s training equipment was being transported from the squad’s pre-tournament camp in Florida to Swope Soccer Village in Kansas City, where the team is scheduled to train following its arrival on Saturday.

According to British media reports, several items, including footballs and boots, were among the equipment stolen during transit. Local authorities in Kansas City have launched an investigation into the incident.

In a statement, police confirmed they were examining a possible theft involving a team vehicle that arrived in the city with equipment missing.

“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.”

The incident has the potential to disrupt England’s final preparations ahead of their World Cup opener against Croatia on Wednesday in Dallas.

The England squad has been based in Florida in recent weeks as part of its acclimatisation programme for the hot and humid conditions expected during the tournament. The Three Lions played warm-up matches against New Zealand and Costa Rica in Tampa Bay and Orlando before heading to Kansas City.

Kansas City has emerged as a popular World Cup base camp, with Algeria, Argentina and the Netherlands also choosing to stay in or around the city during the tournament.