Can Spa spark England?

Spa, the gateway to the idyllic Ardennes

Kevin Keegan will hope the healing properties of Spa rub off on his players as he plots England's path to Euro 2000 glory.

The city, situated on the edge of the Ardennes forest in southern Belgium, is famed for the purity of its water, which has prompted Europe's kings and queens to visit the region for centuries.

There is no royalty in amongst the England squad but the local residents have still chosen to roll out the red carpet for Keegan's men.

The sign leading into the city has been altered, so that it now reads 'Welcome to England' instead of 'Welcome to Spa''.

Home of the Belgian GP

And the local bar staff have taken to wearing uniforms bearing the Union Jack.

It is all designed to make Alan Shearer and co feel at home, not to mention the hundreds of reporters and supporters who are sure to descend on Spa over the next fortnight.

But to ensure that the England squad aren't disturbed more than is necessary, a number of barriers have been erected outside the team residence, the luxurious Balmoral Hotel.

There is also a mobile police unit parked close by.

But it is safe to say that the people of Spa are used to foreign invasions.

Spa factfile

The name of the city comes from the Latins words 'espa' (fountain) and 'sparsa' (to bubble up)

Spa began exporting their water in the 16th century

Every August, thousands of motor racing fans head here to watch the likes of Michael Schumacher and Mika Hakkinen blaze a trail in the Belgian Grand Prix.

For the rest of the year, life trips along a lot more sedately.

Peace and quiet

The surroundings help. Picturesque countryside stretches for miles whichever way you look.

And the Balmoral Hotel, which has been taken over completely by England, is right in the heart of it.

A busy road may pass right outside but there is precious little else to keep the players awake at night.

The exclusive Balmoral Hotel

Spa itself is situated two kilometres away, which rules out any quick jaunts to the pubs and clubs.

As for Charleroi and Eindhoven, the two venues England will be playing their group games, they are just over an hour away.

And on Belgium's far-from-busy motorways, that poses few problems.

Spa seems to be the perfect setting.