JACK WILSHERE has denied that England’s players lack the same level of desire that will be displayed by their Scottish opponents in tomorrow’s friendly at Celtic Park.

Roy Hodgson’s side travel north of the border to take on a Scottish side desperate to avenge last year’s friendly defeat at Wembley and buoyed by Friday’s 1-0 win over Republic of Ireland that took them into joint-second spot in their Euro 2016 qualifying group.

Gordon Strachan has claimed that his toughest task will be preventing his players’ emotions from boiling over, such is their pre-match excitement, but in recent years, the England squad have been accused of lacking pride and passion when they pull on their national colours.

Wilshere rejects such accusations, and insists an away win tomorrow would mean as much to his team-mates as a home win to those dressed in blue.

“Of course this game means as much to us,” said the England and Arsenal midfielder. “And even if it didn’t, we’ve got a manager who’s been around for a few years and who knows what England vs Scotland is all about.

“When he gave us a speech about England vs Scotland, he reminded us that back in the day it was the highlight of the season. It’s always been a big game and we know that.

“If we needed a reminder, then we got it a couple of seasons ago. If we were going into that expecting a bit of a friendly, then we definitely didn’t get it. We’ll be ready.”

Tomorrow’s game will be staged at Celtic Park rather than Scotland’s national stadium, Hampden Park, and the choice of venue is likely to guarantee an intense atmosphere.

The 2013 game at Wembley, which finished 3-2, was a frantic affair, with Rickie Lambert climbing off the bench to score the winner after England had twice been behind.

“It’s not going to be very friendly, but we’re going to be ready for that,” said Wilshere. “It’s going to be a bit like Arsenal vs Tottenham or Liverpool vs Manchester United, but we’re used to that as players.

“We played them at home a couple of years ago and it wasn’t friendly then. It’s probably going to be a little bit tougher this time because they’ll be even more up for it in their home ground. But we’ll be ready for it.”