A fixture between England and Scotland captures football rivalry better than any other in the world, and victory over the Auld Enemy would be the absolute pinnacle according to former Scotland manager Alex McLeish.

The two face off for the second time in a matter of months at Hampden Park this weekend, with the Scots desperate to avenge the 3-0 defeat from November’s previous clash.

And if the game needed any extra spice, Scotland’s chances of qualifying for the 2018 World Cup could rest on this meeting – a tough ask against an England side they’ve beaten just twice in 25 years.

But for McLeish – manager for less than a year in 2007 – past results will matter little come Saturday night in Glasgow.

“It almost seems like the only fixture that matters for Scotland fans at this time,” he said.

“I know that’s a bit amateur thinking, but we have an amazing history with England in the home internationals over more than 100 years.

“To be playing England in a major tournament, to try and win the game under a resurgent England under Gareth Southgate, after they failed in the Euros, it’s the pinnacle for the Scots fans if we can win.

“The most important thing is the three points, if we can get those points, it will go a long way in determining the qualification process.”

Not since the 1998 World Cup have Scotland qualified for a major tournament, a run that could cross the 20-year mark should this campaign not go to plan.

But, with their team made up of no fewer than six players from Celtic’s invincible season, confidence is certainly high in some facets of the squad.

This will also be a big summer for the women’s squad too, with England and Scotland preparing to do battle in the UEFA Women’s Euro 2017 in the Netherlands – another clash McLeish is hotly anticipating.

He added: “We’ve had an amazing Celtic team this year whose players will be at the peak of their confidence.

“Forget the fact it’s England, it will be a much-needed victory whoever it is. But it will be extra special if we can beat our rivals.

“Because it’s in your blood, with all men and women in England and Scotland, the rivalry will still be there in Euro 2017.

“I don’t think it will be as ferocious as the men’s game, in terms of the passion of the Tartan Army, but I’m sure the girls will want to beat each other.”

The 58-year-old was speaking at the launch of the Tartan Army Sunshine Appeal Bike Ride Challenge 2017, where a group of generous Scotland football fans are saddling up for a unique bike challenge to raise funds for disadvantaged children.

Eight Tartan Army foot soldiers will cycle from Wembley Stadium to Hampden Park, travelling as many as 100 miles per day in their bid to reach Glasgow by kick-off.

The group are backed by energy supplier SSE, already a partner of The Scottish FA and Scottish Women’s Football (SWF), with events like this the perfect way to epitomise the Tartan Army for McLeish.

“It’s a special cause, and part of the reason the Tartan Army are loved throughout the world, we’ve not been at a tournament for a long time, but hopefully we can change things starting with the match on Saturday” he continued.

“And everybody will see the Tartan Army for real in the flesh. It’s a great gesture by the guys, and they’ve now got a gruelling bike ride, they’re all looking fit and raring to go.

“This kind gesture says it all about the Tartan Army.

“The awareness is raised significantly enough for the guys and girls on the journey, they get a lot of motivation along the way.

“I’m sure once or twice they’ll be in need of a wee push or shove if they are feeling they might want to stop, and it will be nice for the punters to give them a wave and a cheer to help them on their journey.”

SSE is proud to support the TASA charity bike ride. For more information and to donate go to: www.tasabikeride.co.uk/donate