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England at that point during series toughening up (13)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

strengthening

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'england at that point during series toughening up' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are singular nouns, I cannot understand how they can define each other.

'england at that point during series' is the wordplay.
'england' becomes 'eng' (abbreviation).
'at that point' becomes 'then' (I've seen this in another clue).
'during' indicates putting letters inside.
'series' becomes 'string' (sequence of similar items or events).
'eng'+'then'='engthen'
'engthen' put inside 'string' is 'STRENGTHENING'.

Can you help me to learn more?

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
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