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England's attacking frailties were exposed and punished by a ruthless Australian side as the tourists swept to a surprisingly comfortable win in the first match of the Ashes.

Shaun Wane’s team had talked at length 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 reigning title holders who showed more calmness in front of a historic crowd for an Ashes Test in the UK of over sixty thousand spectators.

Brilliant Performance from Reece Walsh

Led by an outstanding display in attack and defence from club star Walsh, the Kangaroos were worthy and comfortable winners in the first match of the three-match series, meaning England must triumph at Goodison Park next weekend to sustain their hopes of a first Ashes win since the 1970s.

England will have to be significantly improved with the possession if they are to accomplish that goal. On several instances in the first half, the hosts found themselves in advantageous situations but they were failed to score for any tries. That was in no small part thanks to Reece Walsh, who pulled off two superb 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 the break neared. By then, the Australians had gone ahead as Walsh himself completed a wonderful play.

Nathan Cleary converted before adding a two-pointer on the brink of the interval to establish a two-score lead. It was a significant moment, as was the score for Angus Crichton soon after the restart which made it fourteen to nil in favour of the Kangaroos. The hosts now had to cross the line thrice and that seemed to halt their momentum.

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 Angus Crichton, who pushed past Jack Welsby for Australia’s third try.

That made it 20-0 and there was added disappointment in the closing stages as Reece Walsh completed another scintillating move, taking advantage of a weary and clearly exhausted English defense for his second try.

Match Result and Outlook

By then, home fans had begun to leave early and many missed Daryl Clark’s consolation, which at least prevented England finishing scoreless. However, there are many issues for Wane to answer going into what is now a do-or-die match next Saturday.

• Home Side: Full team lineup.
• Interchange: Bench players.
• Try: Daryl Clark.
• Goal: Mikey Lewis.

• Australia: Starting lineup.
• Interchange: Reserves.
• Tries: Reece Walsh (two), Angus Crichton (two).
• Kicks: Cleary 5.