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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 win in the first match of the Ashes.

Shaun Wane’s side had talked at length about their drive going into the first Ashes for over two decades, and they were definitely full of effort at Wembley. However, in the crucial moments, it was the world champions who showed more composure in front of a historic crowd for an series match in the UK of more than 60,000.

Outstanding Display from Reece Walsh

Led by an outstanding showing in offense and defense from club star Reece Walsh, Australia were worthy and comfortable winners in the opening Test of the three-match series, meaning England must triumph at Goodison Park 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 accomplish that goal. On several instances in the opening period, the hosts found themselves in promising positions but they were unable to cross for any points. 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 Herbie Farnworth seemed certain to put Dom Young in for what would have been the first score, then the fullback stopped Lewis as the break approached. By then, the Kangaroos had gone ahead as Walsh himself finished a wonderful move.

Nathan Cleary added the extras before kicking a two-pointer on the stroke of half-time to establish a two-score lead. It was a significant point, as was the try for Angus Crichton shortly after the restart which made it fourteen to nil in favour of the visitors. England now had to cross the line thrice and that seemed to stifle their drive.

Should there have been uncertainty about the victors, they were decisively settled with a quarter-hour to go. Munster's line break was supported by Crichton, who broke through Jack Welsby for Australia’s third try.

That made it 20-0 and there was added disappointment in the final minutes as Walsh finished another breathtaking attack, exploiting 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 missed Daryl Clark’s consolation, which at least avoided England finishing scoreless. However, there are plenty of questions for Wane to answer going into what is now a must-win Test next Saturday.

• England: Full team lineup.
• Interchange: Bench players.
• Tries: Clark.
• Conversion: Mikey Lewis.

• Visitors: Walsh; Nawaqanitawase, Staggs, Shibasaki, Addo-Carr; Munster, Cleary; Carrigan, Grant, Fa’asuamaleaui, Crichton, Young, Yeo.
• Interchange: Dearden, Collins, Cotter, Koloamatangi.
• Tries: Reece Walsh (two), Angus Crichton (two).
• Goals: Nathan Cleary (five).