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

Shaun Wane’s team had talked at length about their drive going into the opening series for over two decades, 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 historic crowd for an Ashes Test in the United Kingdom of over sixty thousand spectators.

Brilliant Display from Reece Walsh

Guided by an outstanding showing in offense and defense from Brisbane Broncos’ Walsh, Australia were worthy and comfortable winners in the first match of the three-game contest, meaning the hosts must triumph at Goodison Park next weekend to keep alive their aspirations of a series victory since 1970.

England will have to be much better with the possession if they are to achieve that. On multiple occasions in the opening period, the hosts found themselves in advantageous situations but they were unable to cross for any points. That was in no small part thanks to Walsh, who pulled off two wonderful interceptions.

Key Moments of the Match

The first came as Herbie Farnworth seemed certain to put Dom Young in for what would have been the first score, then Walsh stopped Mikey Lewis as half-time approached. By then, the Kangaroos had taken the lead as Walsh himself completed a excellent play.

Nathan Cleary converted before adding a two-pointer on the brink of half-time to open up a eight-point advantage. It was a significant point, as was the score for Crichton shortly after the restart which made it fourteen to nil in favour of the Kangaroos. England now had to cross the line thrice and that seemed to halt their momentum.

Should there have been uncertainty about the victors, 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 Jack Welsby for the Kangaroos' third score.

That made it twenty to zero and there was added disappointment in the closing stages as Walsh finished another breathtaking attack, taking advantage of a tired and visibly shot English defensive line for his second try.

Final Score and Looking Ahead

By then, home fans had begun to leave early and many did not see Daryl Clark’s consolation, which at least avoided the home side being held to nil. Nonetheless, there are many issues for the coach to answer going into what is now a do-or-die Test next Saturday.

• Home Side: Welsby; Young, Farnworth, Wardle, Johnstone; Williams, Lewis; Havard, Clark, Lees, Bateman, Pearce-Paul, Knowles.
• Substitutes: Bench players.
• Tries: Daryl Clark.
• Conversion: Mikey Lewis.

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