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England's offensive weaknesses were laid bare and capitalized on by a ruthless Australia as the tourists secured a surprisingly comfortable victory in the first match of the Ashes.

The England coach's side had talked at length about their drive going into the opening series for over two decades, and they were definitely full of 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.

Brilliant Performance from Reece Walsh

Guided by an exceptional showing in attack and defence from club star Reece Walsh, Australia were worthy and comfortable winners in the first match of the three-match series, meaning England must win at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium next weekend to keep alive their hopes of a series victory since the 1970s.

England will have to be much better with the ball if they are to accomplish that goal. On multiple occasions in the first half, 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 pulled off two superb turnovers.

Key Moments of the Game

The initial came as Herbie Farnworth seemed destined to put Dom Young in for what would have been the opening try, then Walsh stopped Mikey Lewis as the break neared. By then, the Australians had gone ahead as Reece Walsh himself finished a wonderful move.

Nathan Cleary converted before adding a two-pointer on the stroke of half-time to open up a two-score advantage. It was a significant moment, as was the try for Angus Crichton shortly 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 halt their momentum.

If there were any doubt about the winners, they were decisively settled with a quarter-hour to go. Cameron Munster’s half-break was backed up by Angus Crichton, who broke through Welsby for Australia’s third try.

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

Match Result and Outlook

By then, local supporters had begun to leave early and many did not see Daryl Clark’s consolation, which at least prevented 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 weekend.

• England: Welsby; Young, Farnworth, Wardle, Johnstone; Williams, Lewis; Havard, Clark, Lees, Bateman, Pearce-Paul, Knowles.
• Interchange: Litten, Walmsley, Trout, McMeeken.
• Try: Clark.
• Goal: Mikey Lewis.

• Visitors: Walsh; Nawaqanitawase, Staggs, Shibasaki, Addo-Carr; Munster, Cleary; Carrigan, Grant, Fa’asuamaleaui, Crichton, Young, Yeo.
• Bench: Reserves.
• Tries: Walsh 2, Crichton 2.
• Kicks: Cleary 5.