Two men have been charged by prosecutors in Jackson County, Missouri, after equipment belonging to the England squad was stolen en route to Kansas City ahead of their FIFA World Cup 2026 Group L opener against Croatia.

The total value of the stolen inventory has been put at roughly $18,000 — approximately £13,500 — according to reports out of Kansas City. The haul included the boots of star players Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham, as well as analysis equipment and whiteboards used by Thomas Tuchel's coaching staff.

Sensitive tactics data among the concerns

The theft prompted immediate concern within the England camp over whether any tactically sensitive material had been compromised. Tuchel's analysis whiteboards were considered among the most valuable items taken, given the strategic information they may have contained ahead of England's first match.

However, a subsequent investigation brought some relief. Jackson County prosecutor Melesa Johnson confirmed that authorities moved quickly to address the incident.