South Africa coach Heyneke Meyer expects England to emerge as strong contenders for the next World Cup.
Meyer's Springboks have proved too good for England in their three-Test series so far and take an unassailable 2-0 lead into Saturday's final game in Port Elizabeth.
But Stuart Lancaster's new-look England have shown plenty of fighting spirit in their 22-17 and 36-27 losses in Durban and Johannesburg respectively, and that has not gone unnoticed by Meyer.
The former Leicester coach said: "The one thing that has impressed me about this England team is their resilience.
"In the Six Nations there were a lot of times when they were put to the sword but they always came back. We know they are going to be tough on Saturday.
"Under the right leadership I think they will grow into a strong team and one of the top teams at the next World Cup."
England will make at least two changes for this weekend's clash at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium with captain Chris Robshaw and scrum-half Ben Youngs out.
Harlequins flanker Robshaw, who has a broken thumb, has proved an impressive leader since being appointed by Lancaster for this season's Six Nations.
Meyer said: "He has done well, he is a captain, a warrior. I think he is a great leader.
"I saw him in the Premiership final and he is a guy that puts his body on the line and leads from the front.
"They will definitely miss him but they still have some great leaders there."
Youngs impressed last week by scoring two tries in England's second-half fightback but has now returned home with a shoulder problem.
Meyer remembers the 22-year-old well from his time at the Tigers.
He said: "It is a pity, he is a brilliant player.
"We knew he was going to do those quick taps and we had worked on it, but he still got us. They will definitely miss him."
Meyer has been forced into changes himself and has named a side containing his third different full-back of the series.
Gio Aplon will take over the number 15 shirt with Zane Kirchner and Pat Lambie having got injured in the first two Tests.
Uncapped flanker Jacques Potgieter will replace the injured Willem Alberts while Wynand Olivier will return to the side for inside centre Frans Steyn, who is getting married this weekend.
Steyn was only recently tempted back to South African domestic rugby - and therefore the Springboks fold - by new coach Meyer and had planned his wedding for after the European season. The powerful 25-year-old had been playing in France for Racing Metro.
Meyer said: "He had made his arrangements. He didn't know he was going to be part of the plans and I was only appointed as coach quite late.
"One of the guys said he was being clever because none of the guys would be available to go. It will be a cheap wedding for him!
"No, he made his plans long ago."
