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England's attacking frailties were laid bare and capitalized on by a ruthless Australia as the tourists secured a worryingly straightforward victory in the first match of the Ashes.

The England coach's team had talked at length about their motivation going into the first Ashes for 22 years, and they were certainly not short on effort at Wembley. However, in the crucial moments, it was the world champions who displayed more composure in front of a historic crowd for an series match in the United Kingdom of more than 60,000.

Outstanding Performance from Walsh

Led by an outstanding showing in offense and defense from Brisbane Broncos’ Walsh, the Kangaroos were deserving and convincing victors 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 aspirations of a first Ashes win since the 1970s.

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

Key Moments of the Game

The initial came as Herbie Farnworth seemed destined to put Dom Young in for what would have been the first score, then the fullback stopped Mikey Lewis as half-time approached. By then, the Kangaroos had gone ahead as Walsh himself finished a excellent play.

Cleary converted before kicking a two-pointer on the brink of the interval 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 favor of the visitors. England now had to cross the line thrice and that seemed to halt their momentum.

If there were any doubt about the victors, they were decisively settled with 15 minutes to go. Munster's half-break was backed up by Angus Crichton, who pushed past Welsby for the Kangaroos' third score.

That made it twenty to zero and there was further humiliation in the final minutes as Reece Walsh finished another scintillating attack, taking advantage of a tired and visibly shot English defensive line for his second try.

Final Score and Outlook

By then, home fans had begun to filter out and many missed Clark's consolation, which at least prevented England finishing scoreless. However, there are many issues for the coach to address going into what is now a do-or-die Test next Saturday.

• Home Side: Full team lineup.
• Substitutes: Litten, Walmsley, Trout, McMeeken.
• Tries: Clark.
• Goal: Mikey Lewis.

• Australia: Starting lineup.
• Bench: Reserves.
• Tries: Reece Walsh (two), Angus Crichton (two).
• Kicks: Nathan Cleary (five).