Not since the Jules Rimet trophy was stolen in 1966 has the World Cup been struck by such an audacious robbery.Â
Arguably, though, this one was more devastating – certainly for the England squad.
Just days before their first match, Harry Kane and co were horrified to discover that their precious boots had vanished.
Not just any boots but bespoke ones, precisely crafted to the anatomical foot shape of each player and with personalised modifications such as tailored heel padding, custom studs and signature logos.
Balls were missing too and bibs used in training. And the players’ cherished table tennis table – said to be key to morale – was broken.
Police were called when it became clear foul play was involved. Last night Quinton Lucas, mayor of Kansas City, told The Mail on Sunday that officials at ‘local, state and federal level’ are involved in the investigation.
Was this carefully-orchestrate sabotage, an attempt to torpedo England’s hopes of glory before their tournament began?Â
Or maybe the work of opportunistic thieves? Or was it, as many now suspect, an inside job?
The squad (pictured) after touching down in Florida on June 13 wearing team issue baby blue Nike tech tracksuits
The England squad kitted out in M&S clothing together ahead of the start of their world cup campaign
Thomas Tuchel (pictured) announcing the England World Cup squad at Webley Stadium on May 22.
Details are sketchy but it seems someone had the bright idea of transporting the boots – worth thousands of pounds – by lorry from West Palm Beach in Florida (where the players were acclimatising) to England’s tournament base 1,400 miles away in Missouri.
The job was entrusted to a haulage firm and two drivers were hired to share the 24-hour journey. Why the boots couldn’t have been flown to Kansas City is unclear.
The lorry arrived on Friday morning. It is thought the theft was discovered later when the lorry moved to the Swope Soccer Village, where England were due to train yesterday.
The culprits broke into the vehicle. But did they strike en route or while it was parked overnight surrounded by heavy security? A source in the camp said ‘just about everything’ was gone.
Harry Kane is due to wear a brand new Skechers boot at the tournament, while Jude Bellingham has his signature and a silhouette of himself on the heel of his Adidas Predators.
Thankfully, Thomas Tuchel’s whiteboard – used to explain tactics – survived the heist, as did a dartboard and the squad’s fluffy mascot Leo the Lion.
One source quipped: ‘Leo is a key witness.’ But the fate of the players’ darts is unknown.
Official tournament balls due to be used in training were swiped. But in what was possibly an act of mercy – or a merciless joke – the raiders left behind a single ball, an Adidas Trionda.
Police are thought to have recovered some of the stolen goods, but exactly what and how much remains unclear.
The England camp were not saying. But the security breach is a major concern for England’s logistics team and raises serious questions over how they transport equipment between venues during the tournament.
Asked about the theft, a Football Association spokesman said: ‘This is now a police matter and we are unable to provide any information at this point.’
A source close to the team added: ‘This wouldn’t have impacted us too much, there is always plenty of other kit about. But I can see why it’s aroused such a great deal of interest.’
Yet some fans believe the theft is a good omen for England.
They point out that we won the tournament 60 years ago after the solid gold Jules Rimet trophy was famously stolen on March 20, 1966, from a public stamp exhibition at Central Hall in Westminster, just four months before the World Cup started.
It was recovered seven days later by a black-and-white collie named Pickles, who sniffed it out in a South London bush – and England went on to win the trophy, beating West Germany 4-2 in the final. Can – the fans are asking – lightning strike twice?
