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The home side's attacking frailties were laid bare and capitalized on by a ruthless Australian side as the tourists secured a surprisingly comfortable victory in the first match of the Ashes.

The England coach's team had talked at length about their drive going into the first Ashes for 22 years, and they were definitely full of effort at Wembley. However, in the key instances, it was the reigning title holders who displayed more composure in front of a historic crowd for an series match in the UK of more than 60,000.

Brilliant Performance from Reece Walsh

Guided by an exceptional showing in attack and defence from Brisbane Broncos’ Walsh, the Kangaroos were deserving and convincing winners in the first match of the three-match series, meaning the hosts must win at Goodison Park next weekend to keep alive their aspirations of a first Ashes win since 1970.

They will have to be significantly improved with the ball if they are to accomplish that goal. On multiple occasions in the opening period, the hosts found themselves in advantageous situations but they were unable to cross for any tries. That was in large measure thanks to Walsh, who executed two wonderful interceptions.

Key Moments of the Game

The initial came as Herbie Farnworth seemed certain to put Dom Young in for what would have been the first score, then Walsh stopped Lewis as half-time neared. By then, the Australians had gone ahead as Reece Walsh himself finished a excellent play.

Nathan Cleary added the extras before adding a two-pointer on the stroke of half-time to open up a two-score advantage. It was a pivotal moment, as was the try for Angus Crichton soon after the restart which made it 14-0 in favour of the Kangaroos. The hosts now had to cross the line thrice and that seemed to stifle their momentum.

Should there have been uncertainty about the victors, they were decisively settled with 15 minutes to go. Cameron Munster’s half-break was supported by Angus Crichton, who broke through Welsby for the Kangaroos' third score.

That made it 20-0 and there was further humiliation in the closing stages as Walsh finished another scintillating attack, exploiting a tired and visibly shot English defensive line for his second.

Final Score and Outlook

By then, local supporters had begun to filter out and many missed Daryl Clark’s late try, which at least prevented the home side finishing scoreless. However, there are many issues for the coach to answer going into what is now a do-or-die match next Saturday.

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

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