IT perhaps says as much about the respective nations’ ambitions as it does the rarity of the fixture in recent times that a match against Scotland doesn’t carry as much significance as it used to for some modern-day England players. Harry Kane, though, isn’t one of them,

The 23 year-old was just a toddler when Gazza was breaking Scottish hearts in 1996, in his first few months at primary school when Paul Scholes ensured Scotland wouldn’t qualify for the next European Championships with his double at Hampden in 1999.

When the countries played friendlies at Wembley and then Celtic Park in 2013 and again a year later, Kane still hadn’t made the breakthrough into the England squad. He was an unused substitute back in November when Gareth Southgate’s side won 3-0 in November courtesy of a trio of headers.

Read more: Davie Provan hopes Harry Kane's hat-trick comments give Scots extra incentive ahead of England clashThe Herald: BURTON-UPON-TRENT, ENGLAND - JUNE 06:  Harry Kane of England attends a press conference during England media access at St George's Park on June 6, 2017 in Burton-upon-Trent, England.  (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images).

And yet, there is little doubt listening to the striker that this is a fixture that clearly means more to him that most. Scotland may no longer test England the way Germany, Spain, Brazil or France, who they play in a friendly next week, all do but for historic and other reasons, Kane is brimming with enthusiasm at the chance to line up against the Scots at Hampden tomorrow night.

“I still think Scotland versus England means something,” he said. “It is like maybe playing for your club in derbies, it’s the same sort of feelings. We definitely know how much it means to everyone and it means a lot to us as well. We were all England fans growing up and we all know what it meant.

“Just because we now play for the team, it doesn’t mean that has changed. It is important that we go out there with that mindset. We know it is going to be a very passionate game and we hope we are going to send our fans home happy.

“It is going to be a tough game. Everyone knows the atmosphere is going to be fantastic. Scotland will be trying to reduce the gap in the group. But we are a confident team.

Read more: Davie Provan hopes Harry Kane's hat-trick comments give Scots extra incentive ahead of England clash

“Hopefully it will be similar to the one at Wembley, we can go and play in the same sort of manner and win the game comfortably. Away from home, it is always tougher, everyone knows that, but there is no reason we can’t do the same: play in a good and aggressive style, try and win the match and take one step closer to the World Cup.”

England’s preparations for this match included a 48-hour boot camp with the Royal Marines at a Commando Training Centre in Devon. That promoted one reporter to joke that this was to prepare for what lies in wait at Hampden tomorrow and Kane’s response suggested there was maybe some truth in that.

“Scotland is going to be a tough place to go so it could be perfect timing,” added the striker. “I had a fantastic weekend and I know most of the other lads did as well. It is just something I will never forget. I am grateful to the marines and to Gareth for taking us.

“For me, it was an amazing experience. Going there and even just talking to the marines and hearing stories of what they have been through. Doing the camping and just some stuff that I have never done in my life and a lot of the players haven’t either. Seeing how they do things, how they conduct themselves and some of the things they go through – it was one of the best weekends of my life.

Read more: Davie Provan hopes Harry Kane's hat-trick comments give Scots extra incentive ahead of England clash

“In a football match, different stuff happens – people get sent off, you go 1-0 down - and it is about seeing how we can adapt to different situations. Being in the woods camping or doing different obstacle courses, it was about adapting to whatever was thrown in front of us.”

Kane’s goal return in recent seasons for Tottenham Hotspur has been nothing short of phenomenal; 31, 28 and then 35 in the campaign just finished. At 23 years old, his best years arguably still lie ahead of him and it would be of no surprise were he to continue his ascent into the stratosphere reserved only for truly world-class talents. Scotland beware.

“I want to be classed in that [elite] bracket but I know I’m not there yet. Part of it is proving it on the international stage. At club level I’ve had a good few seasons. It’s now about taking that next step, international football in the big games, in the big moments. I’m working harder than ever to try and achieve that. I’m 23 now. Hopefully I’ve got a few more years left and I can learn and get better and really push forward.

“I’m always looking to improve. I’m never someone that will rest on what I’ve achieved. I’ve just got to keep doing what I’m doing, keep working hard. I’m at a great club.”