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England's attacking frailties were laid bare and capitalized on by a clinical Australian side as the visitors secured a surprisingly comfortable victory in the first match of the Ashes.

Shaun Wane’s side had talked at length about their motivation going into the opening series for over two decades, and they were certainly not short on endeavour at Wembley. Yet, 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 UK of over sixty thousand spectators.

Outstanding Performance from Walsh

Guided by an exceptional display in offense and defense from club star Walsh, Australia were worthy and comfortable winners in the opening Test of the three-game contest, meaning the hosts must win at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium next Saturday to keep alive their aspirations of a first Ashes win since 1970.

England will have to be significantly improved with the ball 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 large measure thanks to Reece Walsh, who executed two wonderful turnovers.

Key Moments of the Game

The initial came as Herbie Farnworth seemed certain to put Young in for what would have been the opening try, then the fullback denied Lewis as half-time approached. By then, the Kangaroos had taken the lead as Reece Walsh himself finished a wonderful move.

Nathan Cleary converted before adding a penalty on the brink of half-time to establish a two-score lead. It was a significant point, as was the score for Angus Crichton shortly after the resumption which made it fourteen to nil in favour of the Kangaroos. England now had to score three times and that seemed to stifle their drive.

Should there have been uncertainty about the winners, they were decisively settled with a quarter-hour to go. 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 further humiliation in the final minutes as Reece Walsh finished another breathtaking move, taking advantage of a tired and visibly shot England defensive line for his second.

Match Result and Outlook

By then, local supporters had begun to filter out and many did not see Clark's consolation, which at least avoided the home side finishing scoreless. Nonetheless, there are many issues for the coach to answer going into what is now a must-win match next weekend.

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

• Visitors: Starting lineup.
• Interchange: Reserves.
• Scores: Walsh 2, Crichton 2.
• Kicks: Nathan Cleary (five).