England have short-listed three luxury hotels for the team’s oasis at the World Cup in Qatar next year.
One of them is just ten miles from the border with Saudi Arabia.
And another is completely dry - there is not a single drop of alcohol in the entire resort.
A team from the Football Association has already visited Qatar to examine several hotels.
England are in competition with Belgium for one of the venues and Mexico for another.
Their short-list includes the:
- Hilton Salwa a stunning 7* hotel.
- Souq al Wakra by Tivoli hotel.
- Sealine Beach resort.
It remains unclear if the WAGS would be allowed to stay at the same hotel or be forced to stay in separate accommodation.
The Hilton offers the greatest security despite its proximity to the Saudi border.
The Sealine offers the best pitches to train on.
And the Souq Wakra is the closest to the capital Doha where almost all of the games will be played in the tournament which starts next November.
David Hancock from Sir Stanley Matthews Travel said: “They are three distinctively different hotels.
“The Hilton resort is the furthest away from Doha but it is absolutely huge - I believe it would be financially impossible for the FA to rent the whole complex for the tournament.
“But it is so big they could easily create a secure “bubble” in one section and seal the England squad off.
“It’s like a small town with its own bars and restaurants.
“It’s gated off there’s a long beach and the pitch is in pretty good condition.”
He added: “The Sealine is much closer to Doha.
“It’s a much older hotel - about 25 years old but it does mean the pitch is much better.
“England have inquired about renting 37 villas - they all actually face the pitch.
“So if the players were allocated these rooms the players would walk straight out of their rooms and onto the training field.
“But there is a lot of heavy industry - gas and oil works just up the coast and there was a definite smell.
“So there could be an issue with pollution.
“The Souq al Wakra doesn’t have a pool - it’s quite busy and I think security would be a nightmare.
“England have checked it out but I really can’t see them choosing this one - although it is the closest to Doha.
“It is only 15 minutes from the international airport and is right on the beach.
“It’s possible they could make an 11th hour change and choose a different hotel but these are the ones they have looked at.”
An FA team is understood to be returning next week and a final decision is expected shortly.
Manager Gareth Southgate will have the final say on which one is chosen.
Hancock added: “There are pluses and minuses with all of them.
“None of them are absolutely ideal.
“Obviously the FA will be concerned about security as their principal issue.
“And none of them are cheap.”
There is a scramble amongst the qualifying nations to secure the best hotels as some teams may have to share.
Factfile
Sealine Beach Resort
Rooms: 95.
Restaurant of choice: Reef and Burger.
Serves booze: Yes.
Hotel says: “Our accommodation does not boast a sea view it offers a sea experience.”
To the airport: 35 mins
Souq Al Wakra by Tivoli
Rooms: 101
Restaurant of choice: Emshoot
Serves booze: No.
Hotel says: “Among the finest 5-star hotels in Doha, our 101-key property is comprised of former heritage houses where original character has been splendidly preserved.”
To the airport: 15 minutes.
Hilton Salwa Resort
Rooms: 361
Restaurant of choice: Miss Wong Chinese.
Serves booze: Yes.
Hotel says: “Across 3.5 kilometres of private beaches and set in lush gardens, our resort’s bright white and blue exteriors blend with traditional Arabian style. Enjoy free access to Desert Falls Water and Adventure Park, the largest waterpark in Qatar.”
To airport: Hour and a half.
