England team hit by training kit theft ahead of Kansas City arrival

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.

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.

"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."

Balls and boots were among the items believed to have been stolen, according to British media ‌reports.

The Football ⁠Association said it was a police matter and they had no information to ‌provide.

The theft could affect England's preparations for their ​World Cup opener against Croatia ​on Wednesday in Dallas.