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England's attacking frailties were exposed and punished by a ruthless Australia as the visitors swept to a surprisingly comfortable win in the first match of the rugby league Ashes series.

Shaun Wane’s team had talked at length about their motivation going into the opening series for over two decades, and they were definitely full of endeavour at Wembley. Yet, in the key instances, it was the reigning title holders who displayed more composure in front of a historic crowd for an Ashes Test in the UK of more than 60,000.

Brilliant Performance from Reece Walsh

Guided by an exceptional showing in attack and defence from Brisbane Broncos’ Walsh, the Kangaroos were worthy and comfortable victors in the first match of the three-match series, meaning England must win at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium next Saturday to sustain their aspirations of a series victory since 1970.

They will have to be significantly improved with the possession if they are to achieve that. On multiple occasions in the opening period, the hosts found themselves in advantageous situations but they were failed to score for any tries. That was in large measure thanks to Walsh, who pulled off two superb interceptions.

Crucial Plays of the Game

The first came as Farnworth seemed destined to put Young in for what would have been the opening try, then the fullback stopped Lewis as half-time approached. By then, the Australians had taken the lead as Reece Walsh himself completed a wonderful play.

Cleary converted before adding a penalty on the brink of the interval to open up a two-score lead. It was a pivotal point, as was the score for Angus Crichton shortly after the restart which made it fourteen to nil in favor of the visitors. The hosts now had to cross the line thrice and that seemed to stifle their drive.

Should there have been uncertainty about the winners, they were firmly put to bed with 15 minutes to go. Munster's half-break was supported by Crichton, who broke through Jack Welsby for Australia’s third try.

That made it 20-0 and there was added disappointment in the closing stages as Walsh finished another scintillating attack, exploiting a tired and visibly shot England defensive line for his second.

Final Score and Outlook

By then, home fans had begun to leave early and many missed Clark's consolation, which at least avoided the home side being held to nil. Nonetheless, there are plenty of questions for the coach to address going into what is now a must-win match next weekend.

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

• Visitors: Starting lineup.
• Bench: Dearden, Collins, Cotter, Koloamatangi.
• Tries: Walsh 2, Crichton 2.
• Goals: Nathan Cleary (five).