London, Dec 8: England''s football World Cup fans will be thrown to the lions in South Africa next year, as with the lack of accommodation, the organisers are planning to house the supporters in big-game reserves.

Errol Heyns, 2010 co-ordinator for Port Elizabeth where England face Slovenia on June 23, said: "We will extend the number of beds in the city, but we have about 20 game reserves within driving distance which they can also use."

"The English are the best World Cup travellers, we look forward to welcoming them," The Sun quoted Heyns, as saying.

Among the possible destinations is the famous Shamwari reserve which boasts the ''big five'' - animals rated by hunters as the most difficult to catch - lions, elephants, buffalo, leopards and rhinos.

The Lalibela reserve even recommends using an experienced ranger for coming face-to-face with lions and rhinos.

According to reports, Port Elizabeth''s organisers are meeting this week to discuss how to handle the influx of England fans. (ANI)