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England's offensive weaknesses were laid bare and capitalized on by a ruthless Australia as the tourists swept to a surprisingly comfortable win in the first match of the Ashes.

Shaun Wane’s side had spoken effusively about their motivation going into the opening series for 22 years, and they were definitely full of endeavour at Wembley. Yet, in the crucial moments, it was the reigning title holders who showed more calmness in front of a historic crowd for an Ashes Test in the United Kingdom of more than 60,000.

Outstanding Performance from Reece Walsh

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

They will have to be significantly improved with the possession if they are to achieve that. On several instances in the first half, the hosts found themselves in advantageous situations but they were unable to cross for any points. That was in no small part thanks to Reece Walsh, who executed two superb turnovers.

Crucial Plays of the Match

The first occurred as Farnworth seemed certain to put Dom Young in for what would have been the opening try, then Walsh stopped Lewis as half-time approached. By then, the Australians had gone ahead as Reece Walsh himself finished a wonderful move.

Nathan Cleary converted before adding a penalty on the stroke of half-time to open up a two-score lead. It was a pivotal point, as was the score for 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 halt their drive.

Should there have been uncertainty about the winners, they were decisively settled with a quarter-hour to go. Cameron Munster’s half-break was backed up by Angus Crichton, who broke through Welsby for Australia’s third try.

That made it 20-0 and there was added disappointment in the closing stages as Walsh completed another scintillating attack, exploiting a weary and visibly shot England defense for his second.

Final Score and Outlook

By then, home fans had begun to filter out and many missed Clark's late try, which at least prevented England finishing scoreless. Nonetheless, there are plenty of questions for the coach to address going into what is now a must-win Test next Saturday.

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

• Visitors: Starting lineup.
• Interchange: Dearden, Collins, Cotter, Koloamatangi.
• Tries: Walsh 2, Crichton 2.
• Kicks: Cleary 5.