THE mayor of Krakow yesterday welcomed England to his city and insisted there will be no issues with hooliganism during next year’s Euro 2012 tournament.

England and Holland have already confirmed their intention to base themselves in the southern Polish city – and Italy may follow suit.

That will mean Krakow, which is not hosting any games, will be busy with passionate football fans, as well as full of loyal Poland supporters.

Mayor Jacek Majchrowski feels England fans who do make the journey will be doing so to enjoy the festivities rather than look for trouble.

“I have no worries at all,” he said.

“I believe there are no grounds at all for what a lot of journalists are saying about security problems.

“We are very happy for the English tourists and supporters to come here.

“I don’t think there will be any problem with local Polish supporters either.

“I don’t really see what could happen, unless perhaps we played a game with England. That might be a little bit of a problem.”

After being criticised for housing themselves in isolation at the Royal Bafokeng Complex in Rustenburg during the 2010 World Cup, this time the Football Association have gone for a completely different approach.

They will continue to stay in luxury. But this time Fabio Capello and his players will be housed at a five star city centre location - the 16th century Hotel Stary – and make use of a local club ground, whose pitches will be improved to the standard England demand.

“It is an absolute pleasure, on behalf of the England team and the FA, to be here,” confirmed Club England managing director Adrian Bevington.

“Fabio Capello was here last week and couldn’t praise the city highly enough.

“Everyone who has been to Krakow has an incredibly positive reaction.

“Our aim is to be at the Hotel Stary for a long time.

We want to be good tourists.

“Of course, our priority is to have success on the pitch.

But we also intend to experience some of the local culture and visit some of the local historical sights in this area.”