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England's attacking frailties were laid bare and capitalized on by a clinical Australian side as the tourists swept to a worryingly straightforward win in the first match of the Ashes.

Shaun Wane’s team had spoken effusively about their motivation going into the first Ashes for 22 years, and they were definitely full of effort at Wembley. Yet, in the crucial moments, it was the world champions who displayed more composure in front of a record attendance for an Ashes Test in the United Kingdom of more than 60,000.

Outstanding Display from Reece Walsh

Guided by an outstanding showing in attack and defence from Brisbane Broncos’ Reece Walsh, Australia were deserving and convincing victors in the first match of the three-game contest, meaning England must win at Goodison Park next Saturday to sustain their aspirations of a first Ashes win since 1970.

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 failed to score for any tries. That was in no small part thanks to Walsh, who pulled off two superb turnovers.

Key Moments of the Game

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

Nathan Cleary converted before kicking a penalty on the brink of half-time to establish a two-score advantage. It was a pivotal moment, as was the try for Angus Crichton soon after the restart which made it fourteen to nil in favour of the visitors. The hosts now had to cross the line thrice and that seemed to halt their drive.

If there were any doubt about the victors, they were decisively settled with a quarter-hour to go. Cameron Munster’s line break was backed up by Crichton, who broke through Welsby for Australia’s third try.

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

Final Score and Looking Ahead

By then, local supporters had begun to filter out and many did not see Daryl Clark’s consolation, which at least prevented England finishing scoreless. Nonetheless, there are many issues for Wane 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.

• Australia: Starting lineup.
• Bench: Dearden, Collins, Cotter, Koloamatangi.
• Tries: Reece Walsh (two), Angus Crichton (two).
• Goals: Cleary 5.