Built: 1904
Capacity: 30,000

Charleroi's status as the biggest city in the French-speaking region area of Belgium known as Wallonia is not the reason that it has become the centre of a whirl of media furore.

Along with the usual calamitous calls from press pundits about pitched battles breaking out between English and German fans when their teams meet on June 17, the city's Stadio Communal suitability as a big-match venue has been called into question from several quarters, including Belgian MPs and now Sepp Blatter.

While some label the stadium a typical British footballing arena, with its four rectangular stands all close to the pitch and a singular lack of continental-style moats and athletics track, many view the steep banking of seats in the upper tiers as an accident waiting to happen.

During the matches, fans' main concerns may not centre around their team's fortunes. Instead, according to some, including Soccernet's own Ivan Speck, their main worry will be the rather unpleasant feeling of being sat in a place so high up it has been likened to the top of a rollercoaster.

Calls to switch the venue of this and England's game against Romania have fallen on the deaf ears of the tournament's organisers and UEFA.

A stadium known affectionately by locals as 'Le Mambourg', it used to hold a mere 10,000 spectators, but for the needs of this summer's European Championships, there has been a major facelift over the last couple of years - financed by local government and National Lottery cash - with no less than three new stands being built, bringing the all-seater capacity of the ground to 30,000.

The Communal will not stay in its Euro 2000 form for long. Host First Division outfit, Royal Charleroi Sporting Club have never won anything of note in their 96-year history and after declaring they only needed a home ground of 22,000, the decision was taken to remodel 'Le Mambourg' after the European Championships.

When the main event is over, the top tier of seats in the South stand will be removed and the roof lowered.

These factors have led to widespread unease and yet England's games at the Stadio Communal will go ahead. Those making the trip to the Stadio Communal are advised to pack their vertigo tablets.

Aside from these well-publicised factors, Charleroi may well find itself a place in the hearts of those travelling out to Wallonia

City chiefs are desperate for the city to shed its dour image this summer.

More than 200,000 people live in the town, which lies 36 miles South of Brussels, where steelmaking and glassmaking are ways of life - and tourism is a virtually unheard of phenomenon.

But football fans aren't usually the types to turn down the chance to drink prime quality continental ales near to their source.

The best drinking spots are located near Place du Manege. Le Napoleon, in Rue du Dauphin, operates a bar well-stocked with Belgian beers.

The top local football pub is a priority is Taverne L'Echiquier in Place Charles I.

But fans should note, many hosteliers are planning early closing times or alcohol bans for the tournament, due to the fears surrounding the England versus Germany game.

Getting there

Charleroi is just 36 miles south of Brussels, along the E19. If driving from the west, use the E42, or the same road if approaching Charleroi from the east.