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England's offensive weaknesses were exposed and punished by a clinical Australian side as the tourists secured a worryingly straightforward win in the first match of the Ashes.

The England coach's side had spoken effusively about their drive going into the opening series for 22 years, and they were definitely full of endeavour 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

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

England will have to be much better with the ball if they are to achieve that. On multiple occasions in the first half, the home team 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 first came as Farnworth seemed certain to put Young in for what would have been the opening try, then Walsh denied Lewis as half-time neared. By then, the Australians had taken the lead as Walsh himself completed a excellent play.

Cleary converted before adding a penalty on the stroke of half-time to open up a eight-point lead. It was a pivotal moment, as was the try for Crichton shortly after the resumption which made it 14-0 in favour of the Kangaroos. The hosts now had to score three times and that seemed to stifle their drive.

If there were any doubt about the victors, they were decisively settled with a quarter-hour to go. Cameron Munster’s half-break was backed up by Crichton, who pushed past Welsby for the Kangaroos' third score.

That made it twenty to zero and there was further humiliation in the final minutes as Walsh finished another breathtaking move, exploiting a tired and clearly exhausted England defensive line for his second try.

Match Result and Looking Ahead

By then, home fans had begun to leave early and many did not see Daryl Clark’s late try, which at least avoided the home side being held to nil. However, there are plenty of questions for the coach to address going into what is now a must-win Test next weekend.

• England: Full team lineup.
• Substitutes: Litten, Walmsley, Trout, McMeeken.
• Tries: Clark.
• Goal: Mikey Lewis.

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