Despite the kick-off happening on a Monday lunchtime pubs across Fakenham and Dereham were full of hopeful England fans to witness the start of their World Cup campaign.

Punters from across the towns spent their lunchtime on November 21 taking in the 1pm kick-off which saw the Three Lions take on Iran in group B.

Fakenham & Wells Times: Kevin Black (left) manager of the Henry IV pub in Fakenham, watching the England gameKevin Black (left) manager of the Henry IV pub in Fakenham, watching the England game (Image: Kevin Black)

A number of pubs in Fakenham were looking ahead to the start of the tournament, which is taking place in the winter for the first time ever as Qatar hosts the first World Cup held in the Middle East.

Fakenham & Wells Times: People celebrate an England goal at the Henry IV in FakenhamPeople celebrate an England goal at the Henry IV in Fakenham (Image: Kevin Black)

Fans who took the time out to travel to the pub were treated to a classy England performance, as they outclassed Iran by 6-2 - thanks to goals from Bellingham, Sterling, Rashford, Grealish, and a brace from Saka at the Khalifa International Stadium in Doha.

At the Henry IV pub in Fakenham, which has just completed a £70,000 renovation in time for the football, a decent crowd turned out for the match.

Fakenham & Wells Times: People watching the England game at the Henry IV pub in FakenhamPeople watching the England game at the Henry IV pub in Fakenham (Image: Kevin Black)

Kevin Black, general manager at the pub, said: “It felt amazing, a great atmosphere, and I was really surprised and pleased with how many people took the afternoon off and chose to watch the game with us.

“I am now really excited for the rest of the games and being part of the community helping people celebrate the mighty Three Lions.”

Along in Dereham, The Railway Tavern saw a packed lunchtime as people headed out to watch England’s opener.

Fakenham & Wells Times: People at the Railway Tavern in Dereham watching England's World Cup openerPeople at the Railway Tavern in Dereham watching England's World Cup opener (Image: Paul Sandford)

Paul Sandford, the landlord of the pub, said: “It was a welcome boost to have such a busy Monday lunchtime, and it is great to see the community getting together and the scoreline is unbelievable, it’s got people believing.

“It’s definitely coming home.”

Fakenham & Wells Times: People watching England's World Cup opener at the Railway Tavern in DerehamPeople watching England's World Cup opener at the Railway Tavern in Dereham (Image: Paul Sandford)

There was another strong showing of support at The Cherry Tree in Dereham - with punters out enjoying a spot of World Cup football in November.

Pubs are now looking ahead to what is likely to be an even busier night, when England faces off against the USA on November 25, at 7pm - as the Three Lions look to book their place in the knock-out stages.

Fakenham & Wells Times: People at The Cherry Tree in Dereham watching England's World Cup openerPeople at The Cherry Tree in Dereham watching England's World Cup opener (Image: Penny Othen)