Police are hunting burglars who escaped with England shirts worth £5,000 in a sports shop raid.
Detectives believe the raiders will now try and sell the kits cheaply to fans in the wake of the crucial Nigeria match in Onaka today.
Stores nationwide have reported huge sales in England home and away kits since the World Cup kicked off.
But after the team's momentous 1-0 win over Argentina, the clamour for replica strips led to some shops running out of the £40 tops.
Police believe the kits stolen in the burglary at JJB Sports in Hartlepool, Tees-side, could be offered to supporters in pubs and clubs throughout the North East.
A Hartlepool police spokeswoman said: "We do not know exactly how many shirts were taken but they were worth over £5,000. If anyone is offered a cheap England kit they should be aware that it could be stolen."
Officers are now studying CCTV footage following the burglary when the thieves escaped in a white panelled van.
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