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The home side's attacking frailties were laid bare and capitalized on by a ruthless Australian side as the tourists swept to a worryingly straightforward victory in the opening Test of the Ashes.

The England coach's side had talked at length about their motivation going into the opening series for 22 years, and they were certainly not short on 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 series match in the United Kingdom of over sixty thousand spectators.

Brilliant Display from Reece Walsh

Led by an exceptional showing in attack and defence from Brisbane Broncos’ Reece Walsh, the Kangaroos were worthy and comfortable winners in the first match of the three-match series, meaning England must triumph at Goodison Park next weekend to keep alive their aspirations of a first Ashes win since the 1970s.

England will have to be significantly improved with the ball if they are to achieve that. On multiple occasions in the first half, the home team found themselves in promising positions but they were unable to cross for any tries. That was in large measure thanks to Reece Walsh, who executed two superb turnovers.

Key Moments of the Game

The initial came as Herbie Farnworth seemed destined to put Young in for what would have been the first score, then Walsh stopped Mikey Lewis as half-time approached. By then, the Australians had taken the lead as Reece Walsh himself finished a wonderful play.

Cleary added the extras before adding a penalty on the brink of half-time to establish a eight-point lead. It was a pivotal moment, as was the score for Angus Crichton soon after the restart which made it 14-0 in favor of the visitors. The hosts now had to score three times and that seemed to halt their momentum.

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

That made it twenty to zero and there was added disappointment in the closing stages as Reece Walsh completed another breathtaking attack, exploiting a weary and clearly exhausted England defense for his second try.

Match Result and Looking Ahead

By then, local supporters had begun to filter out and many did not see Clark's late try, which at least prevented the home side being held to nil. However, there are plenty of questions for Wane to address going into what is now a must-win match next Saturday.

• England: Full team lineup.
• Substitutes: Litten, Walmsley, Trout, McMeeken.
• Try: Clark.
• Conversion: Lewis.

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