Danny Care is hopeful that England's World Cup efforts have won back some fans who had become disillusioned with the team.
The Harlequins scrum-half came on as a substitute in the semi-final defeat to South Africa on Saturday night as England were beaten by a last-gasp penalty from Handre Pollard.
Speaking after the gut-wrenching result, Care said: "There was a lot of stuff said about us before and hopefully we've changed some perceptions, maybe got people believing in us again,"
England put up a brave fight at the Stade de France, before Pollard's kick sailed between the posts to send them through to the final where they meet the All Blacks. Despite the loss, Care believes England's performance has helped to erase some of the discontent caused by recent poor Six Nations campaigns and other setbacks.
He added: "Before the tournament, we understand that because of our performances people were doubting us a little bit. But then things clicked into gear a bit when we got over to France." Despite not making it to the final against New Zealand, Care sees the progress made under head coach Steve Borthwick as a reason for fans to rally around the team.
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"We've shown stuff that fans can hopefully get behind and be proud of. The support we've had over here and back home has been amazing. This team will go on to bigger and better things, I'm sure of it."
England were leading by nine points until RG Snyman scored a try in the 70th minute to spark the semi-final back into life. But South Africa's 'Bomb Squad' had already started turning the tide with four scrum penalties.
Care came on as a substitute but couldn't help England to victory (PA Wire/PA Images)"It was tough in that changing room. Unfortunately great effort doesn't get you over the line sometimes," said Care, 36, who revealed he will remain available for Test selection after the World Cup.
"I was sat in the bath with Maro Itoje and we were saying how sport can be cruel. It's why we love it so much, it's on a knife edge so often. There's one happy changing room, one sad one."
"For me personally, when time is running out on your international career it's tough to take, but I'm incredibly proud to be part of this team."
Before leaving France, England have one last task - Friday's bronze final, usually an unloved fixture in the World Cup schedule. But Care insists third place is a prize worth winning.
"We'd love to have been in the big dance but we're not. The next best thing you can do is to finish third and try to make more people back home proud of this England team," Care said.
"We'll dust ourselves off pretty quick. Losing to South Africa is going to be harsh and tough to take for a couple of days but that's sport you've got to bounce back."
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