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England's attacking frailties were exposed and punished by a ruthless Australian side as the visitors secured a surprisingly comfortable victory in the opening Test of the Ashes.

Shaun Wane’s team had talked at length about their drive going into the opening series for 22 years, and they were certainly not short on effort at Wembley. Yet, in the crucial moments, it was the world champions who displayed more composure in front of a historic crowd for an series match in the UK of more than 60,000.

Outstanding Display from Reece Walsh

Led by an exceptional showing in offense and defense from club star Reece Walsh, Australia were deserving and convincing victors in the first match of the three-match series, meaning England must triumph at Goodison Park next Saturday to keep alive their hopes of a series victory since 1970.

They will have to be much better 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 points. That was in no small part thanks to Reece Walsh, who executed two superb interceptions.

Key Moments of the Match

The initial came as Farnworth seemed certain to put Dom Young in for what would have been the first score, then the fullback stopped Lewis as the break approached. By then, the Kangaroos had gone ahead as Reece Walsh himself finished a wonderful play.

Nathan Cleary added the extras before adding a penalty on the stroke of the interval to establish a eight-point lead. It was a pivotal moment, as was the score for Angus Crichton shortly after the restart which made it fourteen to nil in favor of the Kangaroos. The hosts now had to cross the line thrice and that seemed to halt their momentum.

Should there have been uncertainty about the winners, they were firmly put to bed with a quarter-hour to go. Cameron Munster’s half-break was supported by Angus Crichton, who pushed past Welsby for Australia’s third try.

That made it 20-0 and there was further humiliation in the final minutes as Reece Walsh finished another scintillating attack, exploiting a tired and visibly shot English defensive line for his second.

Match Result and Looking Ahead

By then, local supporters had begun to leave early and many missed Daryl Clark’s consolation, which at least avoided the home side finishing scoreless. Nonetheless, there are many issues for the coach to answer going into what is now a must-win match next weekend.

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

• Australia: Starting lineup.
• Interchange: Reserves.
• Tries: Reece Walsh (two), Angus Crichton (two).
• Goals: Cleary 5.