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England's offensive weaknesses were exposed and punished by a ruthless Australian side as the visitors secured a surprisingly comfortable win 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 definitely full of effort at Wembley. However, in the key instances, it was the world champions who showed more composure in front of a record attendance for an Ashes Test in the UK of more than 60,000.

Outstanding Performance from Reece Walsh

Guided by an exceptional showing in offense and defense from club star Reece Walsh, the Kangaroos were worthy and comfortable winners in the first match of the three-match series, meaning England must win at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium 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 multiple occasions 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 turnovers.

Crucial Plays of the Game

The first occurred as Herbie Farnworth seemed destined to put Young in for what would have been the first score, then Walsh stopped Lewis as half-time approached. By then, the Kangaroos had taken the lead as Walsh himself completed a excellent move.

Nathan Cleary added the extras before kicking a penalty on the stroke of the interval to establish a two-score lead. It was a pivotal point, as was the score for Angus Crichton shortly after the restart which made it fourteen to nil in favor of the visitors. England now had to cross the line thrice and that seemed to halt their drive.

Should there have been uncertainty about the victors, they were firmly put to bed with 15 minutes to go. Munster's half-break was supported by Angus Crichton, who pushed past Welsby for Australia’s third try.

That made it twenty to zero and there was further humiliation in the final minutes as Reece Walsh completed another breathtaking attack, exploiting a weary and visibly shot England defensive line for his second.

Match Result and Looking Ahead

By then, local supporters had begun to filter out and many did not see Daryl Clark’s consolation, which at least avoided England finishing scoreless. Nonetheless, there are many issues for the coach to answer going into what is now a must-win match next Saturday.

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

• Australia: Walsh; Nawaqanitawase, Staggs, Shibasaki, Addo-Carr; Munster, Cleary; Carrigan, Grant, Fa’asuamaleaui, Crichton, Young, Yeo.
• Bench: Reserves.
• Tries: Reece Walsh (two), Angus Crichton (two).
• Goals: Cleary 5.