Football fans packed into pubs and bars to celebrate England’s dominant win to kick off the World Cup.

Despite the first game falling on a Monday, those watching enjoyed themselves to the full as the Three Lions beat Iran 6-2.

Now Brighton can look forward to the next game with high spirits after goals from Bukayo Saka, Jack Grealish and Jude Bellingham put the wind in supporters’ sails.

Midway through the first half, one fan called Patrick, watching at The Quadrant in North Street, said after the second goal: “Those were great goals, what a finish from Saka.”

The Argus: Patrick, watching the game in The QuadrantPatrick, watching the game in The Quadrant (Image: The Argus)

He said while he was optimistic for the team, “it is Iran that we’re playing” and that “we’re not as good as Brazil and France so I think we will make the quarter finals”.

Others, on the other hand were very optimistic that England would reach the final, with fans Jack, Jamie, Tom and Ted saying: “It’s coming home.”

Ted who watched the game at Ye Olde King and Queen in Marlborough Place, said it was   “awesome” and “a confidence booster”.

The Argus: Jack, Jamie, Tom and Ted at Ye Olde King and QueenJack, Jamie, Tom and Ted at Ye Olde King and Queen (Image: The Argus)

With the tournament moved to winter due to the sweltering heat in Qatar, some of the viewings here were marred by the wet weather.

At Horatio’s on the Palace Pier, Julie and Jill Travis, 63 and 74, called the bar a “lucky find” despite the weather stopping fans from enjoying the action on the bar’s outdoor screen.

The Argus: Chris watching the game at the Queen's HeadChris watching the game at the Queen's Head (Image: The Argus)

Fans were also keen to express their feelings on the tournament being controversially held in Qatar. Julie said: "There was a lot of hoo-hah when they first got the World Cup so we have kind of accepted it now. It should be left alone now."

But she was “appalled” by the decision to ban alcohol sale in the stadiums during the World Cup.

The Argus: Julie and Jill Travis at Horatio's in Brighton PierJulie and Jill Travis at Horatio's in Brighton Pier (Image: The Argus)

While some thought the focus should be on the sport, fan Chris, who watched in the Queen’s Head in Queen’s Road, said: “It shouldn’t be there but it is so I’ll watch it but not get into it as much.”

England next play on Friday at 7pm against the USA.