After a disappointing FIFA World Cup 2014 qualifying campaign, Strachan knows Scotland must build on their victory over Croatia in June, but acknowledges they face a tough encounter at Wembley on Wednesday.
The two nations have not met since 1999, when Scotland secured a 1-0 thanks to Don Hutchinson's first-half goal.
"There is pressure there, trust me, because if there wasn't pressure it would be one of these normal run-of-the-mill friendlies that you play," he said. "It's a fixture we all want to see more often.
"Players, fans, media, even people who are not really football fans are interested in that Scotland-England game.
"I know we play them in other sports but this the a sport where everybody can really attach themselves and enjoy it."
"It is a friendly, it's a celebration of football but as a game it's got to be competitive, that's for sure," he added. "You can tell the difference.
"When I was as a player or a manager, friendly games didn't really turn me on. I think players could sniff that from me but it's a bit different this one.
"The atmosphere once we get there, once we travel to the game, will definitely affect them in terms of positivity."
