Amid the disappointment and recrimination that comes with losing the first Rugby League Ashes series for 22 years with a game to spare, England's players still feel they're not that far away from the world champions.
That belief has some basis. England have arguably been the better team in the first half of both Tests so far and will look to missed chances and some marginal refereeing calls as Sliding Doors moments.
But when Australia have gone through the gears at the start of the second half in both games – inspired by Reece Walsh at Wembley, and with a quickfire try double in Liverpool – England have had no response. The Kangaroos won 26-6 in London, and 14-4 on Merseyside.
Which begs the question as to where this leaves England as they look ahead to the World Cup, primarily to be held in Australia, 12 months from now.
England coach Shaun Wane feels a lack of opportunities to play international games have held his side back.
He points to the crowded English domestic schedule. Super League teams played three more regular league matches than National Rugby League sides in 2025, with Challenge Cup commitments to add to that.
It left no room for the usual mid-season international match, and there is currently not one planned for 2026. It raises the possibility of Saturday's final Ashes Test at Headingley being England's final match before their World Cup opener down under.
"If we want to nail our international calendar, we need to play teams like Australia more on a level playing field," Wane told a media conference on Thursday.