England players shelter indoors amid tornado warning in Kansas City

Kansas City, England's base for the World Cup, was hit with a tornado warning just hours after the team arrived, as the weather service told residents to take shelter to avoid a severe thunderstorm.

The weather service said the storm could cause winds as fast as 80 miles (129km) per hour, and tornado sirens were sounded on Saturday evening.

"Take shelter in a sturdy building, away from windows. Flying debris may be deadly to those caught without shelter," a weather alert told residents.

British media reports said the England players were also instructed to stay indoors, and a fan festival in the city closed early to ensure safety.

The English side, who were hit by a training kit theft before they arrived in Kansas City, had a community training session in the afternoon before the tornado warnings took effect.

England will face Croatia in their first Group L match on Wednesday in Arlington.