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England's attacking frailties were exposed and punished by a clinical Australia as the visitors secured a worryingly straightforward win in the first match of the rugby league Ashes series.

The England coach's team had talked at length about their drive going into the opening series for over two decades, and they were certainly not short on effort at Wembley. However, in the key instances, it was the reigning title holders who displayed more calmness in front of a record attendance for an series match in the UK of over sixty thousand spectators.

Brilliant Performance from Walsh

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

England will have to be much better with the ball if they are to achieve that. On multiple occasions in the first half, the home team found themselves in advantageous situations but they were unable to cross for any points. That was in large measure thanks to Reece Walsh, who pulled off two wonderful turnovers.

Key Moments of the Match

The initial occurred as Herbie Farnworth seemed certain to put Dom Young in for what would have been the first score, then Walsh denied Lewis as half-time approached. By then, the Kangaroos had taken the lead as Walsh himself finished a wonderful play.

Nathan Cleary converted before kicking a penalty on the stroke of half-time to establish a two-score advantage. It was a significant moment, as was the try for Angus Crichton shortly after the resumption which made it fourteen to nil in favour of the visitors. England now had to score three times and that seemed to stifle their drive.

If there were any doubt about the winners, they were decisively settled with 15 minutes to go. Munster's line break was backed up by Crichton, who broke through Jack Welsby for the Kangaroos' third score.

That made it 20-0 and there was added disappointment in the closing stages as Walsh finished another scintillating move, taking advantage of a weary and clearly exhausted England defensive line for his second.

Final Score and Looking Ahead

By then, home fans had begun to filter out and many did not see Clark's consolation, which at least avoided England finishing scoreless. Nonetheless, there are many issues for Wane to answer going into what is now a do-or-die match next Saturday.

• Home Side: Welsby; Young, Farnworth, Wardle, Johnstone; Williams, Lewis; Havard, Clark, Lees, Bateman, Pearce-Paul, Knowles.
• Interchange: Bench players.
• Try: Daryl Clark.
• Conversion: Lewis.

• Australia: Starting lineup.
• Interchange: Reserves.
• Tries: Walsh 2, Crichton 2.
• Goals: Nathan Cleary (five).