Michael Lynagh and Nick Easter look at what England need to develop if they want to challenge New Zealand.
Celebrations over England's historic 3-0 whitewash over Australia had barely begun before comparisons between Eddie Jones' new-look England and the world champions New Zealand started.
While England were making history in Australia and moved to up No 2 in the world, New Zealand were cementing their place at the top of the world rankings with a three-nil drubbing of Wales.
Former British and Irish Lions head coach Sir Ian McGeechan said England are two years behind the Kiwis - a good thing they are only due to meet in 2018 then.
However, Michael Lynagh and Nick Easter believe England are developing the all-round game to compete with the All Blacks.
"England showed glimpses of their development in the third Test," explained former Wallaby fly-half Lynagh.
"We saw in the second test that their defence is so good - that is taken as a given now. They put teams under pressure and then they kick their goals.
"What we saw glimpses of in the third Test was their ability to play at speed and attack. At times they looked very good - quick ball, well organised. That is the area where I think they will need to improve if they want to challenge New Zealand, however I really do think that England have the platform to develop that and they personal as well."
Easter agrees but says what sets the All Blacks apart is the excellent ball handling skills found across the whole team.
"An area to develop their game is definitely their attack but that is speaking after England have just scored four tries against Australia," added Easter.
"I think it is the ball handling of the front five and the fitness and dexterity in New Zealand that sets them apart. They are just so clinical and defensively they are very strong.
"It will be very interesting in a couple of years when this England side has had some time to grow and these two sides meet - it will be a tasty encounter."
Easter was part of Stuart Lancaster's 2015 World Cup squad - called up after No 8 Billy Vunipola was ruled out with a knee injury. The failure of that campaign led to Eddie Jones replacing Lancaster and Easter said the Aussie has given their identity and belief back.
"I think from a playing point of view, the difference between now and the World Cup is the 10-12 axis - it's been consistent and you have to have that if you want to be one of the best internationals sides - which England clearly are now.
"You can just see the belief. There is a clarity and a game plan - Eddie came in and said that the identity of an England side is strong defence and a strong set piece which was not quite there at the World Cup. They certainly have that now and we have seen a lot more in these three Test matches."