The England squad Wayne Rooney pushed aside to seek premier fame with Everton prepared for its biggest test in Sussex.

England under-18s compete in the UEFA Meridian Cup in Egypt against the cream of African nations in Egypt over the next week after three days of training at Hurstpierpont College.

National goalkeeping coach Ray Clemence, the former England goalkeeper who also works with the senior squad under Sven Goran Eriksson, said: "We are grateful to the college. It was a tough week to train with all the rain but the college bent over backwards to accommodate us. We got in some practice on astroturf, used an indoor gym and the swimming pool.

"The Cup is the biggest competition England is involved in at under-18s and will give the players valuable experience.

"They can get to grips with the techniques and bigger physique of players from the four top African nations."

Clemence, who gained 61 full caps, added: "It will also teach the players how to recover after a big game and lift themselves for another match a day or so afterwards. Those are difficult situations to deal with."

Members of the squad, which has been together since under-16s, have already made either Premiership or Nationwide League appearances, most notably Rooney.

Clemence believes the national set-up has played its part in their swift rise.

He said: "The Acadamies at their clubs have obviously been a big help to them but we have done our bit.

"Rooney's not with us now but the Premiership is not a bad alternative to England under-18s.

"It is great for the lads and for England that more of them are coming through into first teams this season.

"Some clubs are more financially tight than they were and cannot spend millions and find, through the likes of Wayne, that they have readymade players.

"The transfer windows also force clubs to use more youngsters than they might have done in the past.

"Wayne has made fantastic progress and is a credit to David Moyes but he still learning, just like others who have broken into league sides."

Hustpierpoint College might prove to have assisted in a successful tournament for England, which also involves France, Switzerland and Spain, in a Europe versus Africa format.

But Clemence is more concerned about what the players learn.

He said: "Winning would just be the icing on the cake."

England meet Burkina Faso, Mali, Egypt and Nigeria.

Coach Dick Bate said: "The Cup is part of our general development programme. We have, generally, kept the same squad together for three years and we hope they can go all the way. Sven is very interested in its progress and we keep him in touch.

"The fact so many have played for their club's first team, like Sean Doherty, Gary Borrowdale and Matthew Sadler, as well as Wayne Rooney, is encouraging.

"But we can give them something their club's cannot: international experience."

College marketing manager Derick Bostridge added: "We were delighted to help out England. It was interesting seeing how disciplined the youngsters were."