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England's attacking frailties were laid bare and capitalized on by a ruthless Australia as the tourists 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 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 calmness in front of a record attendance for an Ashes Test in the United Kingdom of more than 60,000.

Outstanding Display from Walsh

Guided by an outstanding display in offense and defense from Brisbane Broncos’ Reece Walsh, Australia were deserving and convincing victors in the first match of the three-match series, meaning the hosts must triumph at Goodison Park next Saturday to keep alive their aspirations of a series victory since the 1970s.

England will have to be significantly improved with the ball if they are to accomplish that goal. On multiple occasions in the opening period, the hosts found themselves in promising positions but they were failed to score for any points. That was in no small part thanks to Reece Walsh, who executed two wonderful interceptions.

Key Moments of the Match

The initial came as Herbie Farnworth seemed certain to put Dom Young in for what would have been the opening try, then the fullback denied Mikey Lewis as half-time neared. By then, the Kangaroos had gone ahead as Reece Walsh himself finished a excellent play.

Nathan Cleary added the extras before kicking a two-pointer on the brink of half-time to establish a eight-point advantage. It was a significant point, as was the try for Crichton soon after the resumption which made it fourteen to nil in favour of the visitors. The hosts now had to score three times and that seemed to stifle their drive.

If there were any doubt about the winners, they were firmly put to bed with 15 minutes to go. Cameron Munster’s half-break was supported by Crichton, who broke through Jack Welsby for the Kangaroos' third score.

That made it twenty to zero and there was further humiliation in the closing stages as Walsh finished another scintillating move, exploiting a tired and visibly shot English defense for his second.

Match Result and Outlook

By then, home fans had begun to leave early and many missed Daryl Clark’s late try, which at least avoided England finishing scoreless. Nonetheless, there are plenty of questions for Wane to answer going into what is now a do-or-die match next weekend.

• England: Full team lineup.
• Interchange: Litten, Walmsley, Trout, McMeeken.
• Tries: Daryl Clark.
• Conversion: Mikey Lewis.

• Australia: Walsh; Nawaqanitawase, Staggs, Shibasaki, Addo-Carr; Munster, Cleary; Carrigan, Grant, Fa’asuamaleaui, Crichton, Young, Yeo.
• Bench: Dearden, Collins, Cotter, Koloamatangi.
• Tries: Reece Walsh (two), Angus Crichton (two).
• Goals: Nathan Cleary (five).