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England's attacking frailties were exposed and punished by a clinical Australia as the visitors swept to a worryingly straightforward win in the opening Test of the Ashes.

Shaun Wane’s side had talked at length about their motivation going into the first Ashes for 22 years, and they were definitely full of endeavour at Wembley. Yet, in the crucial moments, it was the world champions who showed more calmness in front of a record attendance for an series match in the UK of more than 60,000.

Brilliant Display from Walsh

Guided by an exceptional showing in offense and defense from Brisbane Broncos’ Reece Walsh, the Kangaroos were worthy and comfortable victors in the first match of the three-game contest, meaning England must triumph at Goodison Park next weekend to keep alive their hopes of a first Ashes win since 1970.

England will have to be much better with the ball if they are to accomplish that goal. On several instances in the first half, the home team found themselves in advantageous situations but they were failed to score for any tries. That was in large measure thanks to Walsh, who pulled off two wonderful interceptions.

Crucial Plays of the Match

The first came as Farnworth seemed certain to put Dom Young in for what would have been the opening try, then the fullback denied Lewis as the break approached. By then, the Australians had taken the lead as Walsh himself completed a wonderful play.

Nathan Cleary converted before kicking a penalty on the stroke of the interval to establish a eight-point advantage. It was a pivotal moment, as was the score for Crichton soon after the restart which made it 14-0 in favour of the visitors. England now had to cross the line thrice and that seemed to halt their drive.

If there were any doubt about the victors, they were firmly put to bed with a quarter-hour to go. Munster's line break was backed up by Angus Crichton, who pushed past Jack Welsby for Australia’s third try.

That made it 20-0 and there was further humiliation in the final minutes as Walsh completed another scintillating move, exploiting a weary and visibly shot England defense for his second try.

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 England being held to nil. Nonetheless, there are many issues for Wane to answer going into what is now a do-or-die Test next Saturday.

• England: Welsby; Young, Farnworth, Wardle, Johnstone; Williams, Lewis; Havard, Clark, Lees, Bateman, Pearce-Paul, Knowles.
• Interchange: Bench players.
• Try: Daryl Clark.
• Conversion: Mikey Lewis.

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