Police in Missouri have confirmed that two individuals have been arrested in connection with the theft of England national team equipment ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The arrests were made less than 48 hours after several items belonging to the Three Lions were reported missing during the transfer of gear to the team’s training base at Swope Soccer Village in Kansas City.
Authorities said the investigation into the incident is ongoing, with both suspects currently being questioned to assist further inquiries.
Initial reports suggested that customised football boots belonging to captain Harry Kane and midfielder Jude Bellingham were among the items stolen during the incident.
Other missing items are believed to include match balls, training equipment and various support gear used by the squad in their World Cup preparations.
Police have not yet revealed the identities of the two individuals arrested, nor confirmed whether any of the missing items have been recovered.
The incident drew widespread attention as it occurred during England’s preparations for their opening Group L match against Croatia on June 18 (4am Malaysia time).
Despite the disruption, the latest development is seen as a positive step for England’s camp, which had been affected by the theft.
England are drawn in Group L alongside Croatia, Ghana and Panama as they aim to progress into the knockout stages of the tournament.
