England's stunning victory against Argentina sparked jubilant celebrations in pubs, bars and even offices across Sussex.

Every hostelry with a television was packed with revellers as England captain David Beckham led his country to glory in Sapporo.

Fans erupted in deafening cheers and sprayed each other with drinks after the final whistle sounded.

The celebrations spilled out on to streets that had been almost deserted as the game kicked off at 12.30pm.

Fans draped in the flag of St George and sporting fake Beckham haircuts chanted the names of England's heroes as passing motorists sounded their horns.

In Brighton and Hove the city's pubs took on extra staff and many were forced to turn supporters away because they were so busy.

Fans started queuing outside the Font and Firkin more than two hours before the game began.

Manager Tom Adams said: "The atmosphere was incredible as it got close to the game. Everyone was having a great time."

More than 500 fans packed the pub to watch the match which ended in a 1-0 win for England.

A huge cheer greeted the start of the game as supporters wearing England shirts and some with their faces painted red and white roared their encouragement.

Gabriel Batistuta's early foul on Ashley Cole was greeted with chants of "Off, off, off" as Argentina signalled their intention to make it a physical game.

Some people were forced to cover their ears as Owen's shot cannoned off the far post, sparking a deafening cheer and roars of encouragement.

Goalkeeper David Seaman's name was chanted as he pulled off a dramatic save from Batistuta, a scene repeated again and again as he foiled wave after wave of Argentinian attacks as pressure grew in the second half.

Teacher Tasha Taylor, 25, of Worcester Villas, Hove, who was with fiance David Kimber and 15 friends and colleagues from Sackville College at East Grinstead, said: "The atmosphere in here is incredible. We went to a pub in Hove for the game against Sweden on Sunday and it was nothing like this.

"Everyone is getting behind England and Beckham is playing a real captain's game."

The cheers grew to fever-pitch when Owen was brought down inside Argentina's penalty area and the referee signalled a penalty.

They increased as Beckham stepped up to take the penalty and slotted it into the back of the net.

The bar exploded into one huge celebration with drinks being thrown in the air and people dancing and hugging.

Firemen based at Gosport, Hampshire, were among fans watching the game.

Firefighter Paul McGowan, from Portsmouth, said: "We've been here before and decided to come over today to watch the match.

"England played really well, a lot better than against Sweden. They deserved to win."

The scenes were repeated in other packed pubs in the city centre, with O'Neill's in Ship Street reaching its 160 capacity soon after it opened.

University of Brighton student Patrick Goudy, 24, of Woodingdean, said: "Everyone is having a great time. Beckham may have a haircut like a duck's bottom but he put away the penalty like an England captain should."

England's performance even won approval from Glasgow-born Mark Paterson, who works for Lloyds TSB in Brighton.

He was among 200 fans packed into The Black Lion.

He said: "I have got to admit England played well, kept their game going and absorbed pressure from Argentina."

After the game, the celebrations continued on the streets with fans singing Land Of Hope And Glory and Rule Britannia.

Fans who could not get time off work to watch the game were well catered for by their employers, who brought in TV sets for the day.

Staff at the American Express building in Edward Street, Brighton, watched the game on sets dotted around the building.

A spokesman said: "There has been a lot of excitement and support. We have got televisions in all four corners of the building and in the social club so staff can watch."

At the Royal Sussex County Hospital, Brighton, staff with access to computers were able to follow the game on the web.

Televisions were put in key locations around the hospital.

Spokesman Ian Keeber said: "Normally, access to the internet is strictly limited but we have relaxed the rules today.

"There has been quite a lot of shuffling around of televisions so as many people who want to watch it can do so."

Seeboard, one of the biggest employers in Sussex, said its staff were able to watch the game on sets brought into its offices across the county.

Spokeswoman Claire Byrd said: "Staff who wanted the day off to watch the match booked it in advance.

"The rest were able to watch the game around their normal duties and made the time up afterwards."

Brighton and Hove City Council staff watched on a big screen television set up in the canteen at King's House, Hove.

Extra police patrolled the city's streets during and after the match but a Sussex Police spokesman said there were no major incidents.

Police flooded Worthing town centre following Sunday's violence after the England v Sweden game.

However they watched yesterday as hundreds of fans spilled on to the streets literally dancing with delight.

In the Montague Centre shopping precinct, two fans hugged a couple of elderly women who asked what the score was.

Alan Thomas, 34, from Hailsham, travelled to Eastbourne to watch the match in The Eagle pub with friends.

He said: "We always go there because it's such a great atmosphere. I just couldn't believe it when Beckham slammed that ball in."