EVERYBODY’S got World Cup fever.

As the England team prepares for its historic semi final match against Croatia tonight, businesses across Brighton, Hove and Sussex have been doing their bit to get behind the boys.

Thousands of supporters have watched the team’s matches at the Luna big screen on Brighton beach, and the quarter final victory over Sweden saw 20 million tune in on their televisions.

And excitement about what England could achieve has grown steadily as the tournament has progressed.

Previously The Argus reported on how Seasons Scaffolders put up a giant flag on Hove seafront, and we’ve been following the highs and lows with our readers too.

Businesses are now reaping the benefits of the good weather and the feel good factor has been increased by the beautiful game.

In Rottingdean, staff at Molly’s at the Beach cafe have also got into the World Cup spirit.

Owner Sara Rogers says her family are all football fanatics, and usually support Liverpool.

She has decked out the cafe in England flags and says it is definitely boosting business and trade, as she shows the matches on the television in the cafe.

Ms Rogers said: “We’re a ‘glass is half-full’ kind of family, so we are really positive, we think it is definitely coming home.

“And from our customers there is a real interest as the team has gained momentum. I would never predict the score, but I’m feeling confident about tonight.

“We’ve had people coming off the beach to come and check the scores.

“We’ve got into the spirit of things and there is a real feel good factor.

“Our staff have had a World Cup sweepstake, and my husband Steve insists on being the one to fill in the wall chart. We love it.”

Gareth Whittington, 36, has been getting into the football spirit by hanging flags out of his home on Lewes Road, Brighton.

He has been watching the England games with his brother at the Luna Beach Cinema on the beach.

“I was going to a normal pub before in the city centre.

“But we went to one game down there and we really enjoyed the atmosphere, the buzz of everything,” he said.

Gareth’s brothers and cousins were pictured on our front page at the big screen, watching the game with the rest of the crowd.

Gareth is returning to the beach with his brother today to watch the semi-final.

“I feel confident, I’m looking forward to it and I think they’re going to go all the way.

“At first it started off as a joke, but now you know, we’re that close.

“I do believe.”

Samuel Hutton-Mawdsley, 26, has been showing his support by hanging his flag proudly out of his window on Clarence Square, Brighton.

He has been watching every game and is optimistic about a victory tomorrow.

“I think we’ll win.

“But I’m scared and tense,” he said.

He celebrated Saturday’s victory on West Street with lots of people, he said.

A street sweeper, who goes by the name of Trigger, has been getting into the football spirit by proudly decorating his cleaning trolley with England flags and parading it around the city.

Trigger has been cleaning the streets of Brighton and Hove for 22 years and is now brightening up the streets during the World Cup in support of our boys.

“I should have worn my England hat, I usually wear that too.” he said.

Reams of bunting have been hung in the front garden of Candy White’s home on Southall Avenue, Moulsecoomb, in celebration.

“We had a get together here for the game on Saturday,” she said “It’s really nice to be able to celebrate,”. The Railway Bell pub, near Brighton Station, has been overcome with world cup fever, with all walls draped with international flags. But, spread across the roof, a large England flag is clearly the centrepiece.

Ian Waller, 21, a barman at the pub, said: “It’s been really good. We’ve been enjoying it and getting big crowds in for the England games. Now, hopefully, we can go all the way”

Mr Waller described how he was optimistic about England’s chances at the competition but was warned that Croatia should not be underestimated because of the nation’s impressive midfield.

The Dover Castle pub on Southover Street, Brighton, found itself in a unique position for the World Cup quarter final clash between England and Sweden, with two of its three landlords being Swedish.

However, the pub’s window proudly displays an England flag and it is putting its support behind the home nation David Carrick, 49, a landlord at The Dover Castle, said: “For us, the world cup has been absolutely amazing.

“The vibe, the friendship and bringing people together through the football.”

The Scoop and Crumb, East Street, is decorated with St George’s flag bunting and two large inflatable footballs fill the upstairs windows.

Employee Connor Craib, 24, said: “Would it be too much to say it’s coming home?

“The sense of community spirit throughout the World Cup has been amazing and lovely to see.”