Big Theft in England Exposed as Drivers Get Charged for Stolen Gear
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The value of the gear stolen from England’s World Cup team has now been made public. England moved from Florida to their World Cup base in Kansas City, and their equipment was sent ahead of them on Saturday. Unfortunately, thieves stole some items, including players’ boots and World Cup match balls, while the gear was being moved from Florida, where the team played warm-up games against New Zealand and Costa Rica.
According to reports in Kansas City, two men who worked as drivers for the trucking company carrying England’s equipment have been charged with receiving stolen property. The total value of the stolen gear is about $18,000 (£13,500). Jackson County prosecutor Melesa Johnson said, “We thank the Kansas City Police Department and our lawyers for quickly investigating and charging the suspects. We are committed to holding them responsible.”
Thankfully, most of the stolen gear has been found. BBC Sport said sources confirmed the return of the items after the trucks were broken into at the Swope Soccer Village base in Kansas City. Some footwear was stolen, but no top boots or any important game gear was taken.
This happened while England prepared for World Cup 2026 and their first Group L match against Croatia in Arlington, Texas, on Wednesday. England reached the semifinals in 2018 and the quarter-finals four years later, and they’re one of the favorites to win Group L during the tournament in the US, Canada, and Mexico.
However, nothing is guaranteed. Croatia had a strong qualifying run, finishing first in their group without losing, ahead of other teams like the Czech Republic, who lost their first game against South Korea. England knows Croatia well and will face them in Thomas Tuchel’s first big tournament match at AT&T Stadium. The Three Lions will also play Ghana in Foxborough and Panama in New Jersey.