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

The England coach's team had spoken effusively about their motivation going into the opening series 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 calmness in front of a historic crowd for an series match in the UK of more than 60,000.

Brilliant Display from Walsh

Led by an outstanding display in offense and defense from club star Walsh, Australia were deserving and convincing winners in the first match of the three-match series, meaning the hosts must win at Goodison Park next Saturday to sustain their hopes of a series victory since 1970.

England will have to be much better with the ball if they are to accomplish that goal. On multiple occasions in the opening period, 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 executed two wonderful interceptions.

Key Moments of the Match

The initial came as Herbie Farnworth seemed destined to put Dom Young in for what would have been the opening try, then the fullback stopped Lewis as the break neared. By then, the Kangaroos had taken the lead as Reece Walsh himself finished a excellent move.

Cleary added the extras before adding a two-pointer on the brink of half-time to establish a two-score advantage. It was a significant moment, as was the score for Crichton soon after the restart which made it 14-0 in favor of the Kangaroos. England now had to score three times and that seemed to stifle their drive.

Should there have been uncertainty about the victors, they were decisively settled with a quarter-hour to go. Cameron Munster’s line break was supported by Crichton, who broke through Welsby for the Kangaroos' third score.

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

Match Result and Looking Ahead

By then, home fans had begun to leave early and many did not see Daryl Clark’s late try, which at least avoided the home side being held to nil. However, there are many issues for Wane to address 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.
• Tries: Daryl Clark.
• Conversion: Mikey Lewis.

• Australia: Starting lineup.
• Bench: Reserves.
• Scores: Walsh 2, Crichton 2.
• Goals: Cleary 5.