Mark Sampson is convinced England benefited from their involvement in the SheBelieves Cup after they finished with a draw against France.
Narrow defeats to the United States and Germany meant England headed into the final round of games in Boca Raton, Florida seeking a first victory.
They fell short but the 0-0 stalemate meant the Lionesses at least finished with some reward from the four-team round-robin tournament.
The England manager told BBC Sport: “We were so close to the win against one of those big guns. We had to grind out the first half but in the second half we were outstanding. This tournament has been a really good experience and we take a lot away from it.”
Eni Aluko came off the substitutes’ bench to win her 100th cap, the Chelsea striker replacing Toni Duggan early in the second half.
Aluko was applauded on social media by the midfielder Fara Williams, England’s most-capped player with 151 appearances. Williams, who played in all three games of England’s campaign, wrote on Twitter: “Huge congratulations to @EniAlu on reaching 100 caps for @england great achievement very proud”.
The USA won the tournament after beating second-placed Germany 2-1 to complete a 100% record. The hosts came from behind to win through two goals in six minutes, from Alex Morgan and Sam Mewis after Anja Mittag had put Germany into the lead.
England face Belgium and Bosnia-Herzegovina in Euro 2017 qualifiers next month, having won both of their first two games.
