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England's offensive weaknesses were exposed and punished by a clinical Australia as the tourists swept to a worryingly straightforward win in the first match of the Ashes.

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

Outstanding Performance from Walsh

Guided by an exceptional showing in offense and defense from club star Walsh, Australia were deserving and convincing winners in the first match of the three-game contest, meaning England must win at Goodison Park next Saturday to keep alive their aspirations of a series victory since 1970.

England will have to be much better with the possession if they are to accomplish that goal. On multiple occasions in the opening period, the home team found themselves in promising positions but they were failed to score for any points. That was in large measure thanks to Reece Walsh, who pulled off two wonderful interceptions.

Crucial Plays of the Game

The initial came as Farnworth seemed destined to put Young in for what would have been the first score, then the fullback denied Lewis as the break neared. By then, the Australians had gone ahead as Reece Walsh himself completed a wonderful play.

Nathan Cleary added the extras before kicking a penalty on the brink of half-time to establish a eight-point advantage. It was a significant point, as was the score for Crichton shortly after the resumption which made it fourteen to nil in favour of the Kangaroos. England now had to score three times and that seemed to stifle their drive.

If there were any doubt about the victors, they were firmly put to bed with a quarter-hour to go. Cameron Munster’s line break was backed up by Angus Crichton, who pushed past Welsby for the Kangaroos' third score.

That made it 20-0 and there was added disappointment in the final minutes as Reece Walsh completed another breathtaking move, exploiting a tired and clearly exhausted English defense for his second try.

Match Result and Outlook

By then, local supporters had begun to filter out and many did not see Clark's late try, which at least avoided England being held to nil. Nonetheless, there are plenty of questions for Wane to answer going into what is now a do-or-die Test next Saturday.

• England: Full team lineup.
• Interchange: Bench players.
• Try: Clark.
• Conversion: Mikey Lewis.

• Visitors: Walsh; Nawaqanitawase, Staggs, Shibasaki, Addo-Carr; Munster, Cleary; Carrigan, Grant, Fa’asuamaleaui, Crichton, Young, Yeo.
• Interchange: Dearden, Collins, Cotter, Koloamatangi.
• Tries: Reece Walsh (two), Angus Crichton (two).
• Kicks: Cleary 5.