Paul Collingwood is still confident Eoin Morgan's England can become world-beaters on home soil in 2019, despite their Champions Trophy failure.
Morgan is the only survivor from the team Collingwood led to England's only global trophy to date: the ICC World Twenty20 in 2010.
There was growing optimism, after a flawless group campaign this month, that England were at last about to add a maiden one-day international title at their 19th attempt since the first World Cup in 1975.
That will have to wait at least another two years after their untypically meek performance on a slow, used pitch in Cardiff on Wednesday, when they lost their last eight wickets for 83 runs to surrender a place in the final to Pakistan.
Collingwood, however, is not about to give up on a group of players he has seen at close quarters in his brief spells as part of the England coaching staff.
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"Pakistan played like world-beaters and they deserved it," he said.
"That is what tournament play is all about, that's why it's so difficult to win these ICC tournaments.
"But I think we all realise that, whether England win or lose, they are playing some very exciting cricket. The batting line-up they have is as powerful as any in the world."
Their prospects for 2019 therefore remain intact, he believes.
"They have huge strength in depth as well," said Collingwood.
"This will just be learning experience because they have definitely got the ability (to win a World Cup).
"They've probably got 15 or 16 players who could fit into this team and do a fantastic job."
It was a shock that England were not able to adapt to conditions which their conquerors exploited expertly, but Collingwood points out the winners deserve due credit.
"Pakistan were absolutely fantastic with the ball and didn't really allow England to show the power they have shown over the last couple of years," he said.
"A lot of people have spoken about the pitch and a lot will say it was disappointing to be playing on it. That is out of England's hands. But you have to adapt, it's as simple as that.
"This team has been around the world. I watched them play in Sharjah, on a very slow, turning pitch, and they beat Pakistan there. So I guess this was a bit surprising, but sometimes another team just plays outstandingly well."
