HE'S an Englishman in New York – but tonight Mick Baldwin will be willing his countrymen back home to victory.

The 39-year-old from Intack moved to America 10 years ago, where he started working in a fish and chip shop alongside fellow Blackburn ex-pat Matt Armfield.

A DJ by night, the Blackburn Rovers fan then landed his dream job, working for a football newspaper called First Touch.

He now writes a 'John Peel style' page on music, beer and football and is part of an Rovers' US supporters group.

He said: “Right now it's all hands on deck. It's absolutely awesome, I cannot wait.

“It's like when you book a vacation and you've been waiting all year.”

Mick may have picked up Americanisms, but his loyalty still definitely lies with the Three Lions.

He said: “My friend has rented a room above a bar so we can all watch the game.

“Being an England fan I try not to get involved in the banter because it's the kiss of death.

“Even if we went on to win the World Cup, if USA win they will say we still beat you. I'm praying we do it.”

He is hoping the Group C clash between England and USA tonight will reinvigorate interest in the sport Stateside, as Bill Clinton leads the nation's bid to host the tournament in 2018, and has organised a 'tomato tomato' football event for children in Chinatown.

He said: “The Red Bulls here in New York have got an awesome new stadium, they are second in the league and having a great season.

“Manchester City and Spurs are coming over to play in a tournament with Sporting Lisbon.

“It's a good launching pad again, like they had with the World Cup here before.”

Back in East Lancashire, American Katy McCormick believes England could be in for a shock if they underestimate USA tonight.

Katy, 53, from New England, is a director of communications at Regenerate Pennine Lancashire in Accrington, and has lived in England for 20 years.

She is predicting a 1-1 draw – a result that won't please her husband Ian, 53.

She said: “The idea that Americans can't play soccer isn't true. The game isn't as high profile over there, but in a way that means there is a lot less pressure on our team.

“There is so much pressure on Capello's boys and I think that can play to our advantage. We have nothing to lose and nothing to prove.

“I've got my in-laws coming over and I've promised to make them an American dinner, probably hamburgers.

“I've got an England flag and my USA flag in the window, so my house looks kind of schizophrenic!”

Meanwhile Colorado native Katherine Johnson has admitted she will be cheering on her adoptive country.

The 27-year-old children's services worker, from Rishton, first spent an exchange year at Sussex University.

She decided to stay in England and has now lived in Blackburn for six years.

A school governor at Blakewater College, Katherine has just passed her British Citizenship test.

She said: “I prefer the culture over here. I definitely want England to win, without a doubt.

“This is definitely home to me.”