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England's attacking frailties were exposed and punished by a clinical Australian side as the tourists swept to a worryingly straightforward win in the first match of the rugby league Ashes series.

Shaun Wane’s team had spoken effusively about their drive going into the first Ashes for over two decades, and they were definitely full of effort at Wembley. However, in the crucial moments, it was the world champions who showed more composure in front of a historic crowd for an Ashes Test in the UK of over sixty thousand spectators.

Brilliant Display from Walsh

Guided by an exceptional showing in attack and defence from Brisbane Broncos’ Walsh, Australia were deserving and convincing winners in the first match of the three-match series, meaning England must win at Goodison Park next Saturday to keep alive their hopes of a first Ashes win since the 1970s.

They will have to be significantly improved with the possession if they are to achieve that. On multiple occasions in the first half, the hosts found themselves in promising positions but they were unable to cross for any tries. That was in no small part thanks to Reece Walsh, who executed two wonderful interceptions.

Crucial Plays of the Match

The first came as Farnworth seemed certain to put Young in for what would have been the opening try, then the fullback denied Mikey Lewis as half-time neared. By then, the Kangaroos had taken the lead as Walsh himself completed a excellent move.

Cleary added the extras before adding a penalty on the brink of the interval to establish a two-score lead. It was a pivotal moment, as was the try for Angus Crichton shortly after the restart which made it 14-0 in favour of the visitors. The hosts now had to cross the line thrice and that seemed to halt their momentum.

Should there have been uncertainty about the victors, they were firmly put to bed with 15 minutes to go. Munster's half-break was backed up by Crichton, who pushed past Jack Welsby for the Kangaroos' third score.

That made it 20-0 and there was further humiliation in the final minutes as Reece Walsh completed another breathtaking move, taking advantage of a tired and visibly shot English defensive line for his second try.

Match Result and Looking Ahead

By then, home fans had begun to filter out and many missed Daryl Clark’s late try, which at least avoided the home side finishing scoreless. However, there are many issues for the coach to address going into what is now a must-win match next Saturday.

• England: Full team lineup.
• Interchange: Litten, Walmsley, Trout, McMeeken.
• Try: Daryl Clark.
• Conversion: Mikey Lewis.

• Australia: Starting lineup.
• Bench: Dearden, Collins, Cotter, Koloamatangi.
• Tries: Reece Walsh (two), Angus Crichton (two).
• Kicks: Nathan Cleary (five).