Some in Scotland may sense their team are more of a nuisance than bitter rivals to the Three Lions these days.
But Ray Parlour says England want to beat the Scots every bit as much as fans north of the border.
The former Arsenal and England midfielder only played a few seconds against Scotland in the 1999 play-off epic – and admits he was handed a time-wasting role as England hung on at Wembley in the second leg.
Scotland’s 1-0 win was not enough to reverse a two-goal deficit from the first leg at Hampden – but it was enough for Parlour to say he had sampled the raw power of a clash against the Auld Enemy.
The Gunners star drove the Scots nuts as he ran down the clock on Craig Brown’s Euro 2000 hopes under the old Twin Towers and he hopes Gareth Southgate ’s side will sink their chances of getting to the World Cup in Russia next year. Parlour, now 44, said: “There’s something special about the Scotland games.
“There’s so much history in the fixture and it’s one every player wants to sample at some stage. I know Scotland have had their struggles and people may think the likes of Germany are England’s big rivals nowadays.
“But I can assure you that’s not the case. Everyone knows Scotland love to get one over England – but it’s exactly the same for the English.
“Back in 99 we were right up for it. The atmosphere at Hampden was incredible. The rivalry is huge, it’s impossible not to get caught up in it.
“It was the same at Wembley in the return. We were gutted to lose to Scotland, but delighted to get through.
“I only came on at the end, so at least I can say I played my part in helping us hang on! I don’t think I was too popular with the Scotland fans.
“Those games were fierce and I am sure it will be the same this time. You can’t tell me it does not mean as much to England.
“I watched the friendly game at Celtic Park a couple of years ago and the England players were charging into tackles left, right and centre.
“You could see there is pride at stake and that’s what we’ll see on Saturday.”