Eoin Morgan refused to be downbeat despite England surrendering the one-day international series by losing the third game.
Australia made it three wins from three by overhauling a victory target of 244 with seven wickets to spare to take an unassailable lead in the 50-over leg of the tour.
Morgan, who struck 54 as England compiled 243 for nine at Sydney, felt the team showed good character to put in a competitive showing following their heartbreaking defeat in the second encounter, when James Faulkner struck a remarkable 69 not out to rescue victory from the jaws of defeat.
He told ecb.co.uk: “We had to turn around and get ourselves back up. We were obviously disappointed to lose that game but we had one choice and that was to come back fighting.
“We didn’t come back fighting as hard as we’d like but we didn’t roll over and that shows a bit of character within the side.
“Australia are a very confident team at the moment and are difficult to turn over. But we’ve got to come back harder in Perth next Friday.”
England can take heart, too, from having given a few younger players the opportunity to press their case in the rubber – something Morgan feels will prove beneficial.
He added: “It is a great experience; playing today against a good side in front of 37,000 people, which is quite a big stage.
“There are young guys coming through, with Ben Stokes batting at three for the first time. There are some other young guys like Gary Ballance and they will remember this.
“Come the World Cup this time next year, it will stand them in good stead.”
It is Stokes, having been one of the bright spots as England lost the Ashes earlier this winter, who is offering particular cause for optimism.
“Stokesy is a guy who we see as having endless capabilities with both bat and ball,” enthused Morgan. “We’re astonished at the talent that he is.
“We are happy that he can bat at three and hopefully fulfil that potential.”