England are in the Vendée region in north-west France for the annual Montaigu Tournament which sees youth teams from all around the world participate in a week of friendly international competition.

Swain's side have been placed in Group B of the eight-team tournament alongside Cameroon, Portugal and Japan and will face those three sides as well as a fourth play-off game which will decide where England finish.

For Swain, who guided an unbeaten England to the Victory Shield earlier in the season, the Montaigu Tournament is a vital step in the development of England's talented youngsters.

Swain told TheFA.com: "You have to see it in the bigger scheme of things. Over the next week there are England qualifying matches at Senior, Under-21, Under-19 and Under-17 levels and this tournament is all part of that process of seeing players move up through the age groups.

"The experience that these players will pick up over the next week is very important to the players' development, and that includes everything from playing in the matches to getting used to travelling abroad with the squad."

England won two and drew one of their three Shield matches and confidence will be high amongst the players that they can make an impact here in France.

"So far this season they have played in the Shield matches, which are derby games really, but these games will be very different against sides from all over the world," said Swain.

"To face opposition from Europe, Africa and Asia in four games in six days - something none of these boys would have done before - is a real learning curve for the players and the experience will will stand them in good stead.

"You can't beat it for helping their development. It is a tremendous experience for all the players to understand how tournament football abroad works - experience which will be very useful, especially in the important Under-17 age group next year."

England, who arrived in their base in La Roche-sur-Yon near Nantes on Monday afternoon, start their campaign on Wednesday against Japan before taking on Portugal and Cameroon to decide which play-off they will contest.

"At this level there are no countries that really dominate the scene," Swain continued, "so it is useful to see how the players shape up against quality opposition from outside Britain.

"The Iberians do tend to be strong at youth level, so I'm sure the Portugal game will be tough but we are all looking forward to the challenge."

For match reports, reaction and latest news from the Montaigu Tournament, stay logged on to TheFA.com.

England U16s - Montaigu Tournament Fixtures

Date

Opponents

Venue

Comp

KO

23 Mar 05

Japan

St.Georges, Montaigu

MT

16.00

24 Mar 05

Portugal

Venansault

MT

16.00

26 Mar 05

Cameroon

Chantonnay

MT

14.00

28 Mar 05

TBC (Play-off)

TBC

MT

TBC


Montaigu Tournament 2005 - Full Match Schedule