Gary CahillL says Jordan Rhodes poses a real danger to England at Wembley tonight.
The former Town striker now with Championship rivals Blackburn is aiming for a 10th Scotland cap as the old rivalry is renewed for the first time since 1999.
Scotland, for whom £8m man Rhodes has scored three goals, aim to upset the odds by claiming a 42nd victory in the 11th meeting of the pair, which is live on ITV.
Chelsea star Cahill, expected to be in the England defence, said: “Jordan Rhodes has created a stir. I have watched a few games he has been involved in.
“He hasn’t played in the top flight yet but that doesn’t mean he is not capable of doing so.
“He has an exciting career ahead of him. He is going to be a threat and someone we will have to look out for.”
The two countries first went head to head in 1872, when the game in Glasgow finished goalless.
Other than war years, it was an annual fixture until 1989, with the teams meeting only three times since.
With 45, England have the edge in victories, and keeper Joe Hart said: “It is going to be exciting.
“You know how everyone is going to be on the outside, which always makes the game more interesting.
“Scotland are a team we want to beat. You can’t get away from that fact. It is good to have rivalry. I enjoy rivalry, and it is definitely there between England and Scotland.”
Scotland boss Gordon Strachan, inset, insists the pressure is on to perform for his side.
“If there wasn’t pressure it would be one of these normal run of the mill friendlies that you play.
“It’s a fixture we all want to see more often. Players, fans, media, even people who are not really football fans are interested.
“I know we play them in other sports but this the sport where everybody can really attach themselves and enjoy it.”
He added: “It is a friendly, it’s a celebration of football but as a game it’s got to be competitive, that’s for sure. You can tell the difference.”
