TIM HOWARD has enjoyed revelling in the role of underdog for much of his Everton career.

Now the United States goalkeeper is determined to pull off another surprise and ensure World Cup misery for the country in which he plies his trade.

When England begin their South Africa campaign, their main task will be to find a way past the Goodison shot-stopper.

As many a Premier League striker will testify, it’s no easy task.

It has been an encouraging 12 months for the 31-year-old, who was part of the USA team that surprised many in last summer’s Confederations Cup, where they bravely went down 3-2 in the final to superpowers Brazil after beating European champions Spain 2-0 in the semis.

But when he steps out with his team-mates in Rustenburg on June 12 for their Group C opener, Howard does not believe Fabio Capello’s side will be “shaking in their boots”.

And having grown accustomed to overcoming the odds at Everton, that suits the goalkeeper just fine.

“I think it’s getting better,” says Howard. “But I don’t think we step on the field and anyone goes, ‘Ohhh, here comes the US’.

“We did some really great things last summer and we drew against Argentina two years ago. But I don’t think people are overawed by us.”