WORLD Cup fever has spread across Southampton as England flags have been unfurled and painted across the city.

Red and white are the colours of the moment as dozens of St George’s flags were placed at Six Dials, between Kingsway and New Road, ahead of tonight’s huge game.

The England flag was also painted on a mini roundabout and road markings between Hill Lane and Lordswood Road.

PHOTOS: A look back at when England played Columbia in 1998

The Three Lions are set to take on Colombia tonight at the Otkrytie Arena in Moscow, and a win would see England reach the quarter finals.

Andrew Pope, Southampton City Councillor for the Redbridge ward, welcomed the flags across the city and said they need to be interpreted as a symbol of pride.

He added: “They don’t present any safety issue. People are showing their support to England, which is great.”

Referring to a red cross painted at Windermere Avenue, he said: “I was wondering about it because that actually damaged the road and that road has just been resurfaced.

“It’s good people show their pride but it has to be done in a sensible manner.”

Many football fans took to social media to say they wanted to see more England flags across the city.

English teacher Sara Thelwell, 36, from Hill Lane, said the flags highlight the community spirit.

She said: “I think it’s fine if they are a sign to support the England team.

“I can understand people’s enthusiasm.”

Cllr Satvir Kaur added: “I’m a big football fan, and it’s great to see our city coming together and engaging with the World Cup, so long as people are not being disruptive or breaking any laws while putting up these flags.

“Clearly there’s an appetite for some more public art, which is something we’re working towards.”

A statement from road safety charity Brake said: “Anything which causes unnecessary distraction, whether within the car or outside, must be avoided.”