England’s World Cup stars will train under the protection of anti-drone technology, signal-jamming weapons and specialist security teams as officials ramp up fears over spying threats ahead of the tournament in the United States.
Thomas Tuchel’s squad are set to base themselves in Kansas City during the competition, with security measures around their training headquarters expected to resemble a military-style operation.
Authorities are preparing to deploy so-called “hunter-catcher” drones capable of intercepting hostile aircraft mid-air by trapping them in nets before safely bringing them to the ground.
Police officers will also reportedly be equipped with specialised drone-jamming guns designed to disrupt navigation and communication systems used by unauthorised devices flying near the England camp.
The heightened precautions come amid growing concerns around surveillance, disruption attempts and possible political protests during the World Cup.
Former FBI anti-drone expert Tom Adams, who is now involved in overseeing security operations around the tournament base, warned drones have become a significant modern threat because of how cheap and accessible they are.
“In these types of operations you don’t know what the intent of the drone is,” Adams explained, per The Sun.
“It could be someone acting maliciously or somebody trying to make a political statement.
England’s World Cup stars will train under the protection of anti-drone technology, signal-jamming weapons and specialist security teams as officials ramp up fears over spying threats ahead of the tournament in the United States
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England's training camp will be based at Swope Soccer Village in Missouri
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“It’s a very dynamic and challenging part of the security apparatus.”
Adams also admitted sports espionage has become an increasing concern ahead of major international tournaments.
“Now we have to add the sportsmanship threat to the drones,” he added.
“We wouldn’t have thought of that initially.”
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England's record at the World Cup | GETTY/ GB NEWSThe anti-drone systems being introduced around England’s camp are reportedly similar to technology used during major American sporting events including the Super Bowl.
According to Adams, the operation will involve both drone detection and interception measures.
“We will have drone detection technology to detect drones in and around the airspace of a protected venue using radar, cameras and other technology,” he said.
“There is also defeat technology, which might be a hunter-catcher drone that flies up and captures another drone in a net.”
He added that radio-frequency jamming systems could also be used to disable drones remotely or force them to land in designated locations.
Tournament organisers and law enforcement agencies are also believed to be preparing for wider disruption threats linked to activist groups.
Security experts have reportedly warned of possible sabotage attempts targeting transport infrastructure, including railway signalling systems, power lines and bridges.
Tuchel himself has already acknowledged concerns around rival nations attempting to monitor England training sessions during the tournament.
Thomas Tuchel has revealed the Football Association is taking steps to keep preparations as private as possible at England’s training base
| GETTYThe Three Lions manager revealed the Football Association is taking steps to keep preparations as private as possible at England’s training base at Swope Soccer Village in Missouri.
“We will have security there and we will build a bit of protection,” Tuchel said after naming his 26-man World Cup squad.
“Of course, it’s crucial if you train the day before a game and you do your team build-ups, your set-pieces, your penalties.
“You don’t want the opponent to know.
“It gives you a crucial advantage.
“So we’re trying to be as private as possible.”
Concerns surrounding spying at international tournaments are not new.
During the 2018 World Cup, Sweden were forced to apologise after allegations emerged they had watched South Korea’s training sessions. France also previously raised concerns over drones reportedly hovering above training facilities during the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.