England's World Cup build-up has been anything but smooth, with the latest hiccup involving the team chef being barred from a Florida train service.
The culinary specialist, who plays a vital role in keeping the squad properly fuelled, accidentally triggered a metal detector at West Palm Beach station while attempting to catch a Brightline service to Orlando before the Costa Rica friendly.
It turns out he was carrying his cooking knives, which fell foul of the rail operator's strict no-weapons policy – even though Florida state law permits concealed pocket knives.
The chef had to make alternative travel arrangements, though sources say the matter was sorted without any fuss.
England had nearly lost their chef as they travelled through Florida
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This wasn't the first setback for the Three Lions, though.
Just a day earlier, news broke of a rather audacious theft targeting the England camp.
Thieves made off with boots, footballs and training kit from a van that was ferrying equipment from Florida to Kansas City, where Thomas Tuchel's side will be based throughout the tournament.
It's the kind of disruption no team wants in the crucial weeks before a major competition, particularly when proper nutrition and having the right gear are considered absolutely essential to England's preparations.
The squad have been trying to build team spirit through barbecues and themed dinner nights.
England's preparations have been stunted by thieves and metal detectors so far
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Despite the chaos, the squad touched down safely at Kansas City's downtown airport this afternoon.
A substantial police escort complete with motorcycles whisked them to their tournament base at the Inn at Meadowbrook, a charming boutique hotel in the upmarket Prairie Village area.
The welcome they received was genuinely heartwarming.
Around 150 locals gathered at the hotel to greet Tuchel and his players, with a local band adding to the festivities.
Residents had gone all out, planting miniature England flags in their gardens and putting up welcoming signs along the surrounding streets.
It's clear the neighbourhood is thrilled to have them.
The boutique hotel, designed to resemble an English country inn, has been kitted out with extensive security measures.
England thrashed Costa Rica in their final friendly before the World Cup started
| GETTYScreens have been erected to keep the players away from curious onlookers, given the complex sits within a public park.
Those living in a neighbouring luxury apartment block have been told subletting is off the table while England are in town.
The hotel's popular coffee shop and upmarket American restaurant have both shut their doors to the public, with a pop-up shop set up nearby to compensate.
The World Cup features an expanded format with 48 teams divided into 12 groups of four | GETTYHarry Kane and Jude Bellingham delighted fans by crossing the road to sign autographs and snap selfies with the welcoming crowd.