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

The England coach's team had spoken effusively about their drive going into the first Ashes for over two decades, and they were certainly not short on effort at Wembley. However, in the crucial moments, it was the world champions who displayed more composure in front of a historic crowd for an series match in the United Kingdom of over sixty thousand spectators.

Outstanding Performance from Reece Walsh

Guided by an outstanding display in attack and defence from club star Reece Walsh, the Kangaroos were deserving and convincing winners in the first match of the three-match series, meaning England must win at Goodison Park next Saturday to keep alive their hopes of a first Ashes win since the 1970s.

England will have to be much better with the ball if they are to accomplish that goal. On several instances in the opening period, the hosts found themselves in promising positions but they were failed to score for any tries. That was in no small part thanks to Walsh, who pulled off two superb turnovers.

Crucial Plays of the Game

The first came as Farnworth seemed certain to put Dom Young in for what would have been the opening try, then the fullback stopped Lewis as half-time approached. By then, the Australians had gone ahead as Walsh himself completed a wonderful move.

Nathan Cleary converted before adding a penalty on the brink of half-time to establish a eight-point lead. It was a significant point, as was the try for Crichton soon after the restart which made it 14-0 in favor of the Kangaroos. England now had to cross the line thrice and that seemed to halt their drive.

Should there have been uncertainty about the winners, they were firmly put to bed with 15 minutes to go. Cameron Munster’s line break was backed up by Angus Crichton, who pushed past Welsby for the Kangaroos' third score.

That made it 20-0 and there was added disappointment in the final minutes as Reece Walsh finished another breathtaking move, exploiting a weary and clearly exhausted England defense for his second try.

Match Result and Looking Ahead

By then, local supporters had begun to leave early and many did not see Clark's consolation, which at least avoided England being held to nil. However, there are plenty of questions for Wane to answer going into what is now a do-or-die match next Saturday.

• Home Side: Full team lineup.
• Substitutes: Litten, Walmsley, Trout, McMeeken.
• Tries: Daryl Clark.
• Conversion: Mikey Lewis.

• Visitors: Starting lineup.
• Bench: Reserves.
• Tries: Reece Walsh (two), Angus Crichton (two).
• Kicks: Nathan Cleary (five).