How did the death of Philip II of Spain affect English Catholics?

I have missed a lot of college due to being in hospital and having an op and recovering and all that and my teachers have sent me work to do for me to catch up. I have been given a history essay with the title "How would you best explain the disappearance of the Catholic threat by 1603?" and i need to write a paragraph on how Philip II's death affected Catholics in England. I have looked through my book, at the resources my college has put online and searched the internet for answers but nothing really comes up. Here is what i have written so far.
"In the September 1598 King Philip II of Spain died of Cancer prior to 52 days suffering from severe attacks of oedema, gout and fever. This left Catholics without a single figurehead leader who the Catholics could unite behind.
. . . . .
This was the circumstantial event that finally put the idea into the majority of Catholics heads that the battle was over."( potential ending sentence)

I really need some help so if any history teachers could help me or if anyone knows anything about this subject it would be a lot of help or if someone could direct me to a good website covering this specific matter it would be a lot of help.
Thanks in advance.
 
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