We really are starting to believe the World Cup is coming home.

Norwich Evening News: Fans celebrate before bar and beyond is evacuated during the England v Sweden gameByline: Sonya DuncanCopyright: Archant 2018Fans celebrate before bar and beyond is evacuated during the England v Sweden gameByline: Sonya DuncanCopyright: Archant 2018 (Image: Archant 2017)

As the celebrations over England's thrilling 2-0 win again Sweden continued long into the night, we now cast our eyes forward to the much anticipated semi-final game against Croatia.

But many will be thinking further ahead and have their sights set on seeing the England team walk out at the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow, on Sunday.

Pubs, restaurants, beer gardens and open spaces throughout the county were packed as fans flocked to see England reach the semi-finals of a World Cup for the first time since 1990.

Norwich Evening News: Steve Cannell, Danny Gray and Willy Gray cheered on the Three Lions Picture: Jacob MasseySteve Cannell, Danny Gray and Willy Gray cheered on the Three Lions Picture: Jacob Massey (Image: Archant)

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There were wild scenes at places from Cromer Pier to Thetford's Riverside to the Railway Tavern in Dereham, which has hit headlines in the last few weeks for its hugely popular £5,000 World Cup grandstand, which has been full to the brim.

Vera Waynes, 75, was watching the game at the King's Arms in Great Yarmouth with her son Ian, 49, and her granddaughter Poppy, 15.

Norwich Evening News: Fans celebrate before bar and beyond is evacuated during the England v Sweden gameByline: Sonya DuncanCopyright: Archant 2018Fans celebrate before bar and beyond is evacuated during the England v Sweden gameByline: Sonya DuncanCopyright: Archant 2018 (Image: Archant 2017)

She said she could remember England's World Cup triumph of 1966 and said she could see similarities with today's victorious team.

She said: 'Southgate has done the right thing, he has done a marvellous job. He's got something about him. They seem to be a terrific bunch of young lads and they have made the whole country happy. I think it certainly is coming home.'

Richard Sewell, 57, who watched the match in Norwich, said: 'Southgate got it smack on. He gives everyone the freedom to do what they want and go out there and enjoy it. England teams before had to stick to a plan which didn't work. This team has a plan but they enjoy what they are doing.'

He added: 'I hope it's coming home. We will have to get past the likes of Croatia, France and Belgium, but if we get to the final we have got a good chance. They have the right attitude to do it.'

Norwich Evening News: Bend it Like Beckham director Gurinder Chadha at On the Green Thetford watching the England Game. She is pictured with fellow England fans. Picture: Rebecca MurphyBend it Like Beckham director Gurinder Chadha at On the Green Thetford watching the England Game. She is pictured with fellow England fans. Picture: Rebecca Murphy (Image: Archant)

Police praised the attitude of fans across the county as no arrests were made in relation to the football on Saturday.

A spokesman for the East of England Ambulance Service said crews and call handlers had a very busy Saturday but 'coped brilliantly'. Across the region there were 3,786 calls between 12am to 12am on Saturday. The average is 3,5000.

With Three Lions on a constant loop in our heads, the country eagerly awaits 7pm on Wednesday.

Norwich Evening News: England v Sweden at Grand Central in Thetford. Pictured are young fans Maysy and Daysy parish aged two-and-a-half. Picture: Rebecca MurphyEngland v Sweden at Grand Central in Thetford. Pictured are young fans Maysy and Daysy parish aged two-and-a-half. Picture: Rebecca Murphy (Image: Archant)

Norwich Evening News: Fans celebrate before bar and beyond is evacuated during the England v Sweden gameByline: Sonya DuncanCopyright: Archant 2018Fans celebrate before bar and beyond is evacuated during the England v Sweden gameByline: Sonya DuncanCopyright: Archant 2018 (Image: Archant 2017)

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Norwich Evening News: Amy and James Guymer arranged for the England match to be shown at their wedding at Amy and James Guymer. Picture: Southwood HallAmy and James Guymer arranged for the England match to be shown at their wedding at Amy and James Guymer. Picture: Southwood Hall (Image: Archant)

Norwich Evening News: The empties from the The Boundary Pub, Norwich, following the England v Sweden match. Picture: The Boundary PubThe empties from the The Boundary Pub, Norwich, following the England v Sweden match. Picture: The Boundary Pub (Image: Archant)

Norwich Evening News: Southgate Lane in Lakenham has been renamed. Picture: Clive JollySouthgate Lane in Lakenham has been renamed. Picture: Clive Jolly (Image: Archant)