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England's offensive weaknesses were exposed and punished by a ruthless Australia as the visitors secured a worryingly straightforward win in the first match of the Ashes.

The England coach's team had spoken effusively about their drive going into the opening series for 22 years, and they were certainly not short on effort at Wembley. Yet, in the key instances, it was the reigning title holders who showed more calmness in front of a historic crowd for an series match in the UK of over sixty thousand spectators.

Outstanding Performance from Walsh

Led by an exceptional showing in offense and defense from Brisbane Broncos’ Reece Walsh, Australia were worthy and comfortable winners in the first match of the three-game contest, meaning the hosts must win at Goodison Park next Saturday to sustain their hopes of a series victory since the 1970s.

They will have to be significantly improved with the possession if they are to achieve that. On multiple occasions in the opening period, the home team found themselves in promising positions but they were unable to cross for any points. That was in no small part thanks to Walsh, who pulled off two superb turnovers.

Key Moments of the Game

The first occurred as Farnworth seemed destined to put Young in for what would have been the opening try, then the fullback stopped Mikey Lewis as the break approached. By then, the Australians had taken the lead as Walsh himself completed a wonderful move.

Nathan Cleary converted before adding a two-pointer on the stroke of the interval to open up a two-score advantage. It was a significant point, as was the try for Angus Crichton shortly after the restart which made it 14-0 in favor of the visitors. England now had to score three times and that seemed to stifle their momentum.

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

That made it twenty to zero and there was added disappointment in the closing stages as Reece Walsh finished another breathtaking attack, exploiting a tired and clearly exhausted English defense for his second try.

Final Score and Looking Ahead

By then, home fans had begun to leave early and many missed Clark's late try, which at least avoided England being held to nil. Nonetheless, there are many issues for the coach to answer going into what is now a must-win match next weekend.

• England: Full team lineup.
• Substitutes: Bench players.
• Tries: Clark.
• Conversion: Mikey Lewis.

• Visitors: Starting lineup.
• Interchange: Reserves.
• Scores: Walsh 2, Crichton 2.
• Kicks: Nathan Cleary (five).