ENGLAND took part in the first training session since some of their equipment was nicked and returned.
Harry Kane and Co were put through their paces in front of local fans for a community event at the Kansas City base they will use throughout the tournament.
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England trained in Kansas City for the first time Credit: Getty
They had all their boots and equipment rescued Credit: Getty
That is the Swope Soccer Village complex, about half an hour outside of the city centre.
If there was any disruption caused by thieves pinching some boots, balls and equipment from a courier van taking it from Florida to Kansas, the team did not show it.
They had all the kit they needed and were in good spirits throughout the hour-long session.
England’s team bus was chaperoned by a number of police vehicles as it rocked up to the base around 4pm local time on Saturday.
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They were greeted by around 300 supporters – including a number of kids, many of whom screamed ‘Harry’ in the skipper’s direction – as all 27 players, including training keeper Jason Steele, took part in the session.
After some light warm-ups in sweltering conditions, the squad split into two separate groups of outfield players.
One went over to play a match of keepie uppie on a mini pitch, where each side had to keep the ball off the floor before trying to head or volley it into the net.
The crowd were delighted at one point when Kane finished one attack with aplomb.
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Jude Bellingham had his adidad Predator boots Credit: Getty
The other group of players, which included John Stones, went over to the other side of the pitch to play a game of three-touch involving four small goals, then each group switched midway through.
The goalkeepers, meanwhile, were put through a close-control session of their own with goalkeeping coach Henrique Hilario.
Thomas Tuchel’s squad trained for around an hour in total, before players went off to do media interviews, conducted with country music playing in the background.
Ahead of the session, chief football officer Dan Ashworth came out for an introduction before the session started alongside the Kansas City mayor.
Around 300 fans came out to watch England train Credit: AFP
Harry Kane and others greeted the supporters Credit: Getty
Thomas Tuchel protected himself in the sunshine Credit: Getty
All 27 players trained in Kansas City Credit: AFP
Former Manchester United supremo Ashworth said: “Without doubt the welcome we’ve had from the people of Kansas City is the best we’ve dealt with at any World Cup.”
News emerged in the early hours of Saturday morning of the shock heist.
Footballs, boots, training equipment, massage tables and even Thomas Tuchel’s tactics whiteboards were nicked in the 1,400-mile transit from Florida to Kansas City.
Police suspect thieves pounced as the logistical team was setting up at the base, where England will hope to be training right up until the final on July 19.
Another theory suggests the van may have been raided before reaching Kansas City.
Two people were arrested and helping cops with their inquiries.
And JattvibeSport exclusively revealed the haul was heroically rescued hours after the theft – crucially meaning customised boots for the stars were not lost.
A source said: “This will not affect us in any way. We remained focused on our goal.
“It’ll take more than a kit heist and weather to put this team off their stride.
“They can’t wait to get to work preparing for the Croatia game and will have all the kit they need.”
