THE FA may warn against travelling without the guarantee of a seat but don't let that put you off visiting Germany this summer.

And, strange as it may seem, the good burghers of Baden-Wurttemberg are falling over themselves to attract English supporters.

Stuttgart is chief city of this State, famous for its wine and home to Mercedes-Benz and Porsche. Baden-Baden is one of the most picturesque towns in the region and just minutes from England's Black Forest hideaway hotel.

So, why are the Germans, not known for rash, impulsive decisions, bending over backwards to welcome some of the most notorious football fans on the planet?

The three-day trip proved to be a real eye-opener from the moment we stepped off our German Wings flight from Stansted.

The State Secretary, Rudolf Bohmler, was among the official greeting party. So too was a battery of TV crews and journalists, who followed us round for the next 48 hours.

Simon and Penny even made the front page of the local newspaper, Badisches Tagblatt.

Motto

"During the World Cup, Baden-Wurttemberg wants to be the most charming and accommodating host for supporters," said Herr Bohmler.

"`Kindest hospitality' is not just a motto of ours, it is a demand we place on ourselves."

During the stay, we were even invited to stay in the five-star hotel that will be England's base for the competition.

And not too many people can say they've seen inside Sven-Goran Eriksson's bedroom - well maybe one or three!

We can also reveal that the tallest player in the party will be well catered for.

Michael Kaspar, general manager of the Schlosshotel Buhlerhohe, said during a tour of the palatial building: "We've even got a bed big enough for Peter Crouch."

Herr Kaspar added that dartboards, snooker, pool and table tennis tables have been ordered for England's pampered players. There's also an indoor swimming pool, outdoor tennis courts and a golf course near by.

A Michelin star chef will prepare the finest foods - or alphabetti spaghetti, if required.

Security

Bill Clinton and Nelson Mandela are two of the Buhlerhohe's most famous guests. But neither will have had as much security as the England squad.

The 92-year-old building will be ringed by police and security personnel. All paying customers will have left by June 4.

It will be a similar story at the training ground, home to non-league SV Buhlertal. With one road in and one road out, it will be near impossible for paparazzi and `spies' from opposing teams to get close.

"That's one of the major reasons why Mr Eriksson decided to come here," said the local mayor.

When not training or playing, there will be chance to catch up with wives, girlfriends and partners.

They've been billeted in the Brenner's Park Hotel and Spa - a short ride from the Buhlerhohe in Baden Baden.

Just how often Victoria Beckham will venture out remains to be seen. But there are plenty of posh shops to keep Coleen McLoughlin occupied for hours.

Her other half Wayne Rooney and his England team-mate Michael Owen might want to wile away their spare time in the famous Kurhaus casino.

Baden-Baden also boasts Europe's third largest opera house, though it's difficult to imagine Joe Cole, John Terry and the others beating a path to the front door.

During our trip we were also taken to Stuttgart, introduced to home fans in their cosy supporters' club and watched a Bundesliga bore between the hosts and Nuremburg.

The 54,000 Gottlieb Daimler Stadion - only two thirds full on this occasion - is the fourth-largest ground in the country, and host a number of matches including a potential last-16 clash between England and Germany.

It's also been honoured with the third place play-off.

Like everywhere else in this prosperous state, Stuttgart wants England supporters to visit.

Giants screens will be erected in the city centre for ticketless fans and tourist chiefs are confident there won't be any trouble.

"We've had fans from Manchester United, Rangers and Celtic here and we haven't had any problems," smiled one optimistic official. "We're calling Baden Wurttemberg the supporters' paradise."

Hopefully, for Stuttgart - and England's reputation - it won't be paradise lost.

TREVOR Baxter, Simon Spencer and Penelope Hart were flown to Stuttgart from Stansted on German Wings. In addition to staying at the Schlosshotel Buhlerhohe, they spent a night at Europa Park, Germany's biggest theme park, and the four-star Burghotel, Castillo Alcazar.

A new attraction for 2006 is the Arena of Football. Its centrepiece is a dodgems arena with cars in the shape of adidas predator football boots.

Tweet