England coach Stuart Lancaster has insisted that his side haven't gone backwards after their Test series defeat to South Africa and that the team rebuilding project is still a work in progress.

After losing the opening two matches of the tour, the two sides ended the third Test with a share of the spoils after a 14-14 draw. Many have said that England have taken a step backwards following a successful Six Nations campaign, but Lancaster is adamant that this is not the case.

"Overall, when you look at where we were and where we are now, I think we're in a good place," said Lancaster.

"People have got short memories, I think. Take us back six months - we lost a huge amount of experience out of this England side. When you take out Jonny Wilkinson, Simon Shaw, Mike Tindall, Lewis Moody - it takes time to rebuild.

"They had over 500 caps in their side. We're a side just developing that experience.

"Don't get me wrong - we're gutted not to win the game. We wanted to win the game. We wanted to win the series. We didn't, but there are plenty of positives to take as well."

England finished second at the Six Nations.