ENGLAND’S footballers will stay just yards from a gang-ridden shanty town if they get through to the World Cup finals.
They have already been booked into a £300-a-night hotel for the 2010 tournament in South Africa.
But they will have to be under 24-hour armed guard because townships surrounding it are rife with drugs and guns.
WAGs including Abbey Clancy, 22, girlfriend of Peter Crouch, 27, and Wayne Rooney’s wife Coleen, 22, have been warned that the Knysna district, in Western Cape, has an average of eight murders and three car-jackings every day.
If they visit their men at Pezula Resort hotel and spa they will be guarded by armed mounted police patrolling electric perimeter fences.
And their every move will be recorded on CCTV.
A local police source said: “The town is very nice but the surroundings are a lot riskier.
“The people there are so poor that it becomes very tempting for them to rob visitors. It’s a way of life here.
“Hotels are like fortresses – and for good reason.”
Inside the five-star resort, it is a different world. Players – likely to include David Beckham, 33, Theo Walcott, 19, and Steven Gerrard, 28 – will be able to relax on the shores of the Indian Ocean.
The 78 suites – accessed by golf buggies – have king-size beds, real log fires, lounges, luxury bathrooms and sea-view balconies.
Wives and girlfriends can treat themselves to pampering at a hair and nail salon, outdoor Jacuzzi, rainforest shower and massage rooms – if they are allowed to go there.
The FA announced a WAG ban after the girls were accused of distracting players during the tournament in Germany two years ago.
Manager Fabio Capello, 62, is likely to stay in the resort’s own castle.
That comes with its own stretch of secluded beach and live-in staff, including a butler.
Hotel manager Russell Binks said: “The FA told us they were very pleased with everything they saw.
“Security can be guaranteed and the WAGs would have a great time in Knysna. We would love to host the England team here.”
England are 1-7 red-hot favourites to get to the World Cup after winning their first four qualifying games.
The FA refused to comment on their hotel choice.
But they will have to be under 24-hour armed guard because townships surrounding it are rife with drugs and guns.
WAGs including Abbey Clancy, 22, girlfriend of Peter Crouch, 27, and Wayne Rooney’s wife Coleen, 22, have been warned that the Knysna district, in Western Cape, has an average of eight murders and three car-jackings every day.
If they visit their men at Pezula Resort hotel and spa they will be guarded by armed mounted police patrolling electric perimeter fences.
And their every move will be recorded on CCTV.
A local police source said: “The town is very nice but the surroundings are a lot riskier.
“The people there are so poor that it becomes very tempting for them to rob visitors. It’s a way of life here.
“Hotels are like fortresses – and for good reason.”
Inside the five-star resort, it is a different world. Players – likely to include David Beckham, 33, Theo Walcott, 19, and Steven Gerrard, 28 – will be able to relax on the shores of the Indian Ocean.
The 78 suites – accessed by golf buggies – have king-size beds, real log fires, lounges, luxury bathrooms and sea-view balconies.
Wives and girlfriends can treat themselves to pampering at a hair and nail salon, outdoor Jacuzzi, rainforest shower and massage rooms – if they are allowed to go there.
The FA announced a WAG ban after the girls were accused of distracting players during the tournament in Germany two years ago.
Manager Fabio Capello, 62, is likely to stay in the resort’s own castle.
That comes with its own stretch of secluded beach and live-in staff, including a butler.
Hotel manager Russell Binks said: “The FA told us they were very pleased with everything they saw.
“Security can be guaranteed and the WAGs would have a great time in Knysna. We would love to host the England team here.”
England are 1-7 red-hot favourites to get to the World Cup after winning their first four qualifying games.
The FA refused to comment on their hotel choice.
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