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The home side's attacking frailties were exposed and punished by a clinical Australia as the visitors secured a worryingly straightforward victory in the first match of the Ashes.

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

Brilliant Performance from Reece Walsh

Guided by an exceptional showing in attack and defence from club star Reece Walsh, Australia were deserving and convincing winners in the first match of the three-game contest, meaning England must win at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium next weekend to keep alive their hopes of a series victory since the 1970s.

They will have to be significantly improved with the ball if they are to achieve that. On several instances in the opening period, the hosts found themselves in advantageous situations but they were failed to score for any tries. That was in large measure thanks to Walsh, who executed two superb turnovers.

Crucial Plays of the Match

The first occurred as Herbie Farnworth seemed certain to put Young in for what would have been the first score, then the fullback stopped Mikey Lewis as the break neared. By then, the Australians had taken the lead as Reece Walsh himself completed a wonderful play.

Nathan Cleary converted before adding a penalty on the stroke of half-time to establish a eight-point lead. It was a pivotal moment, as was the score for Angus Crichton soon after the resumption which made it 14-0 in favour of the Kangaroos. The hosts now had to cross the line thrice and that seemed to halt their momentum.

If there were any doubt about the victors, they were firmly put to bed with a quarter-hour to go. Munster's half-break was supported by Angus Crichton, who broke through Welsby for Australia’s third try.

That made it twenty to zero and there was further humiliation in the final minutes as Reece Walsh finished another scintillating attack, exploiting a tired and visibly shot England defense for his second.

Final Score 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 prevented the home side finishing scoreless. Nonetheless, there are plenty of questions for the coach to address going into what is now a do-or-die match next weekend.

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

• Visitors: Starting lineup.
• Interchange: Reserves.
• Scores: Reece Walsh (two), Angus Crichton (two).
• Goals: Nathan Cleary (five).