England left New Zealand after its Steinlager Ultra Low Carb 2-0 series loss to the All Blacks, relishing a rematch at Twickenham on November 3.

Coach Steve Borthwick said they thoroughly enjoyed the tour.

“What a brilliant country to come and tour in that you have that passion for rugby. We’ve been here just under three weeks, and it’s been a phenomenal few weeks.

“The players and the whole management team have loved being in this fabulous country and having people so passionate about this incredible sport. It’s brilliant.

“In England we have that passion, but we’re also competing against sports there. So to have it here, it’s been a brilliant experience and a load of guys have never been to New Zealand before, so for many, it’s the first time and I think they’ve relished it and they’re going to be better players, stronger characters for it.”

Borthwick said New Zealanders in the hotels and on the streets had been commenting to him about how the All Blacks would handle them, especially their rush defence, in the Tests.

“I will reiterate how much we have loved being in New Zealand and how we’ve been welcomed, and even the stopping in the street, it’s done in a good manner.

“I’m thankful to the New Zealand public for welcoming us so much and I think the players have made a positive impression and hopefully we’ve left a positive impression of English rugby here as well.”

Borthwick said England was continuing to progress and learning quickly. However, there was still a lot to do.

“Given those two winning positions [in the two All Blacks Tests] we’re not too far away.”

The key will be converting close results into wins.

Many members of the England side had not experienced occasions like that where the All Blacks were able to use Beauden Barrett as a substitute, whose impact in the last quarter of both Tests had a significant effect on the outcomes.

“Everybody could see that the way he dealt with some tricky situations in his own 22 and ended up putting New Zealand in favourable field position a number of times, as well as his distribution threat in that wider channel.”

Being exposed to that quality of play by one of the world’s best players was phenomenal for the side.

“What I need to do as coach is accelerate the learning of the team to close that gaps as quickly as possible.”

Captain Jamie George said he was proud of England’s work across their 13-month season.

“It’s important for us to rest, but also make sure that in the back of our minds we’ve got a great opportunity when we next come together to face the All Blacks at Twickenham.”