There seemed to be a collective sigh of relief across Sussex as Peter Crouch's late header kept England's World Cup dreams alive.

Fans burst into noisy celebration as Crouch broke the deadlock against Trinidad and Tobago six minutes from time.

More jubilation followed when Steven Gerrard secured England's victory with a stoppage-time screamer.

England fans celebrated long into the night after the team secured a place in the next round of the World Cup.

Pubs across Sussex were overflowing with people watching the game and several venues were forced to turn people away.

After a lacklustre start, the players picked up the pace but the late goals turned the uneasy calm into something to sing about.

Danny Coom, who co-owns the Aqua Bar at Brighton Marina, said: "What a fantastic result for the England boys.

"It was a bit slow in the beginning but we have got a marathon to run so we have done very well.

"The atmosphere was fantastic. Everyone was singing and dancing. "Football is such a powerful thing. It attracts people from all walks of life and even if people don't follow the sport normally, they do like to support their country."

Football fan Ian Johnson, 36, from Patcham, watched the game at the bar with his two children Luke, ten, and Sophie, seven.

He said: "Ultimately the result and three points is all that matters."

The Rose and Crown in Worthing was so popular it had to restrict numbers for the match.

Landlord David Edwards said: "A lot of people left work early to get here. It's getting more important now as we progress through the group.

"The keenest supporters were there right from the start but now more people are getting involved.

"I'm pleased with the result but a bit concerned. Really we had nothing until Wayne Rooney came on. We seemed to have no focus."

Pupils from Downsbrook Middle School drew pictures of each country's strip for the tournament and the laminated pictures are strung up around the bar like bunting.

Mr Edwards said: "They look really impressive. It's great to get kids involved in this kind of competition too. It's not just for the adults."

John McCormack, 41, from Findon Valley, is a regular in the pub.

He said: "The first half was a bit lousy but fortunately it picked up in the second. I'm an avid fan and I fly the St George flag at my house but I'm not very confident about the rest of the competition."

Meanwhile dozens of Trinidad and Tobago fans gathered at the Prince Albert in Trafalgar Street, Brighton, to watch the match, enjoy traditional Trinidadian food and an evening of Soca and Calypso music.

Trinidadian DJ Althea Thomas, who is usually known as DJ De Mad Hatter, took on the name DJ Trinibabe for the event.

Promoter Gerry Bernstein said: "We had a lot of England fans in so it was a really mixed crowd. It wasn't intimidating like some places, it was all very good natured. We said that win, lose or draw we would party and that's what we are doing."