It was a successful Monday afternoon for both England's football team and Dorset pubs as the Three Lions beat Iran 6-2 to kick off their World Cup campaign.

The Gloucester on Weymouth Esplanade was one of those businesses rooting for England with screens in every corner of the pub as fans ate, drank and supported the national team.

The pub enjoyed a reasonably large turnout for the game, but assistant general manager Tom Thomson admitted they were expecting a few more.

Dorset Echo: Tom Thomson, Assistant General Manager of The GloucesterTom Thomson, Assistant General Manager of The Gloucester (Image: Image: Jamie Guerra)

He said: "It wasn't quite as busy as we were expecting, this morning's weather led to quite a few cancellations.

"It has been really nice having people in this time of year, the rain didn't dull down the atmosphere.

"It's going to be a good cash injection for the town for this time of year which is usually quieter."

The England fans were treated to an eventful first half which saw England score three unanswered goals.

There was a huge cheer as Jude Bellingham headed home England's first and the atmosphere was kept on a high note following successive goals in the first and second half.

A last minute penalty from Iran flattened the atmosphere among England fans somewhat, but most left the pub happy after a succesful afternoon.

One England fan said: "I have never seen England play this well, full of confidence.

"I thought we might struggle today, it's been brilliant."

Businesses like the Gloucester will be hoping to see England continue to perform well, as it creates more opportunities to attract crowds to come and spend their money locally.

Tom said: "Obviously we are all rooting for England anyway, we are a sporty football pub as it is.

"The more England do the happier we are and it keeps us busier for matches, so we are hoping for the same again the next few matches."

England will face the USA in their next match on Friday November 25 at 7pm.

Pubs and bars around Dorset will be expecting big crowds for the more conveniently-timed Friday night kick off.

Tom has encouraged those wishing to go out to watch the game to "make sure you book your tables", due to a high volume of bookings and limited availability.