"Even though custom cleats and a tactical board were stolen..." England overcomes theft incident and conducts first training: "Even thieves can't stop us"

*This content was translated by AI.

The England national football team, which experienced a theft of its World Cup training equipment, has safely recovered its items and completed its first training session.

The UK's "The Sun" reported on the 14th (Korean time) that "a vehicle transporting training equipment from Florida to Kansas City was robbed, but police recovered all the equipment within a few hours, allowing the England national team to proceed with normal training."

The incident occurred while a logistics vehicle carrying the England national team's luggage traveled approximately 2,253 kilometers from Florida to Kansas City. The thieves stole the players' custom cleats, training balls, massage tables, and even manager Thomas Tuchel's tactical whiteboard.

Police believe the crime occurred either while the logistics team was unloading luggage at the Kansas City base camp or during transit, and have arrested and are investigating two suspects. The media reported, "Fortunately, police quickly recovered the equipment, allowing the players to avoid the crisis of losing their custom cleats."

Despite the chaotic situation, the England squad remained unfazed. According to the media, the England national team bus arrived at the "Swirf Soccer Village" training ground on the outskirts of downtown Kansas City at around 4 p.m. local time on the 13th, escorted by police. All 27 players took to the field. About 300 local fans who visited the training ground welcomed the squad by chanting captain Harry Kane's name.

Manager Tuchel divided the field players into two groups and directed training for about an hour under hot weather. The media explained, "One group practiced scoring with headers or volley shots without letting the ball touch the ground in a mini-pitch, while the other group performed touch games using four mini-goals. Every time Kane showcased his sharp finishing ability, cheers erupted from the stands. Players such as John Stones swapped positions during the training, and goalkeepers focused on separate ball control drills."

Dan Ashworth, England's Chief Football Officer (CFO), appeared at the training ground alongside the Kansas City mayor and expressed gratitude, saying, "The welcome shown by the citizens of Kansas City is undoubtedly the best we have experienced in any World Cup."

An official from the England national team also emphasized, "This theft incident will have no impact on the team. Equipment theft or bad weather cannot stop our steps. We are focusing all our attention on preparing for the group stage match against Croatia."

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*This content was translated by AI.