Euro 2012: Fans' view of Krakow as England team arrives

Polish fans Monika, Agata , Kasia, Maciek reckon England will enjoy Krakow

England arrive in Poland today (Wednesday 6 June) ahead of the European Championships.

The tournament gets under way on Friday (8 June), while England start their campaign on Monday (11 June) against France in Ukraine.

There has been criticism of the decision to base the England camp in Krakow, as they will have to travel more than 800 miles to face France and hosts Ukraine in the group stages.

But football fans in Poland told Newsbeat that the decision could work in their favour, particularly as Roy Hodgson wants to avoid a repeat of the World Cup in South Africa two years ago when England players complained of boredom as they spent their time holed up in the hotel.

Newsbeat spoke to Polish and English fans about the upcoming tournament.

"I think England staying in Krakow will be great, I'm a big fan," says Maciek Cywinski, 18.

"I hope England do well, for me Wayne Rooney is the perfect striker."

Maciek has his own views on team selection though. He says: "I can't believe they didn't bring Rio Ferdinand.

"I think this was a mistake. In my opinion he is a better defender than John Terry, but it's the decision of your coach.

The Polish friends also reckon the fans and WAGs will enjoy staying their time in Krakow: "It's is great at night, there are a lot of clubs and pubs," says Monika Blaszczyk, 18.

"Maybe more important for the players and their girlfriends is in the day, when they can go shopping."

The food will also go down with the English, the friends tell Newsbeat.

"When the English players are here they should eat dumplings they are great," says Agata Szendera, 18.

"The typical Polish dish is Pierogi, something with cheese inside."

Stewart and Phil Light have positive hopes for the first game

England fans - and brothers - Stewart and Phil Light have travelled from York and Cambridge and say they've had a good time so far.

"The England contingent can expect cheap drink, really nice sights, great food and lovely people," says Stewart, 26.

"They're really friendly here."

Phil adds: "Great tours too, we had a good time finding out about the place.

"All you have to do is hop on one of those golf buggies you see everywhere and they'll whiz you round.

"The Jewish quarter was really interesting. We went to where the trains left for Auschwitz, [which was a] very sombre but an interesting place to go."

As for the football, the boys are positive about the first game. "I hope being here will inspire them to go on and do great things here," says Stewart.

"They're based two minutes from the main square, there's loads to do so the atmosphere in the camp will be great.

"I'm confident they can then go and beat France in the first game."

"We've heard we can get free tickets to watch England train on Friday, so we're going to do that," says Phil.