Rugby League Ashes live: Underdogs England thrashed by Australia at Wembley in first Ashes Test for 22 years
England 6-26 Australia: Two tries apiece for Reece Walsh and Angus Crichton helped the Kangaroos outclass their hosts at Wembley
England’s bid to win the rugby league version of the Ashes for the first time in more than half a century was dealt a sobering blow following a 26-6 defeat by Australia at Wembley Stadium.
In the opening match of the three-Test series, Reece Walsh scored the first of four Australia tries after 22 minutes. Angus Crichton crossed over shortly after half-time before he completed his brace with 15 minutes left.
The impressive Walsh then landed his second try in the closing stages, while Nathan Cleary converted four conversions and one penalty. Daryl Clark's converted try in the 76th minute provided nothing more than a consolation for England on a dominant afternoon for the Kangaroos.
The two teams will lock horns again at Everton's Hill Dickinson Stadium next Saturday before the concluding fixture in Headingley on 8 November.
Relive all the action with our live blog below:
Reece Walsh lights up Wembley as Australia script familiar Ashes story
Much has changed in the 22 years since the last Ashes series but some things remain the same. More than two decades England had waited for this chance to test themselves against the world’s best and while there are two more clashes to come in which Shaun Wane’s men will hope to hit back, there can be no disputing that Australia remain exactly that.
This was an imperfect performance in many ways from the world champion Kangaroos and yet still a chasm gaped between the two teams – if England are to win a first Ashes since 1973, then they must find a level beyond that which they were capable of here.
The long wait for an Ashes return has much to do with Australian ambivalence towards the international game and while this game crackled and fizzed with an intensity befitting a fine occasion, this was not perhaps a colossal contest of the kind more regularly sighted during the State of Origin series nor upper echelons of the NRL.
A crowd of 60,812 lapped up a welcome comeback but England struggled to make much imprint on their opposition and failed to do so at all on the scoreboard until four minutes from time, dispiriting those harbouring hopes of a home series success.
Read the full report from Harry Latham-Coyle at Wembley:
Reece Walsh lights up Wembley as Australia script familiar Ashes story
Angus Crichton: 'We were really scrappy'
Double try scorer Angus Crichton spoke to BBC One after that and reckons there’s still room for improvement for Australia,
“It’s exciting! It was cool to come out here at Wembley in front of a good crowd.
"We were really scrappy, but what I did like was our gritty attitude. We worked hard for each other.
"I should have had more [tries] if I wasn't headbutting the ball. It is always nice to get across the line."
On visiting the Hill Dickinson Stadium for the second Test next week: "They will be mad. They will be a bit more rogue than these guys."
FULL-TIME! England 6-26 Australia
And there’s the hooter. England lose the first Ashes Test for 22 years as Australia completely dominate at Wembley.
Two tries apiece for the excellent Reece Walsh and Angus Crichton. England had chances but were profligate - they’ll need to be tighter in attack, although Daryl Clark did score a late consolation try.
Plenty to ponder ahead of the second Test at Everton next weekend
'A dispiriting day for England fans'
More from Harry Latham-Coyle at Wembley
“There are a good number heading for the exits already, but a few filing out halted their charge to see if that fracas became any more.
“Tensions calmed, seemingly, the fans are safe to leave - indeed, those that remain are rather more interested in paper aeroplanes that are being tossed around the concourses. A dispiriting day for any England fans, one would suggest”
TRY! England 6-26 Australia (Daryl Clark, 77 mins)
And there's the breakthrough! England have their consolation score! They've been deep in Australian territory for a lot of the last 10 minutes and now have a try.
Knowles runs it up and then, from dummy half, Daryl Clark has a snipe, rides a tackle and stretches out for the try. Something for England to build on for the second Test.
England 0-26 Australia, 75 mins
England penalty for being taken out off the ball and this is the chance to get a try at last.
TRY! England 0-26 Australia (Reece Walsh, 72 mins)
I fear we have entered rout territory now. Reece Walsh with his second try and Australia’s fourth.
It’s just ruthlessly efficient from the Kangaroos. The spine of their team combine for a clinical try - Grant to Cleary to Walsh and the full back glides over the line.
The Aussie full back has been immense today. Cleary then immaculate from the tee again
'An attendance not to be sniffed at'
Harry Latham-Coyle at Wembley has discussed today’s attendance.
"An official crowd of 60,812 here at Wembley - the top tier is totally empty and there are a few scattered empty seats around the place, so that perhaps feels a touch generous. By comparison, the Challenge Cup final here this year drew a crowd of 63,278.
“Still, not to be sniffed at in a city that hasn't always warmed to this sport - although the relaunched London Broncos are trying to change that under the leadership of Kangaroos legend Darren Lockyer"
England 0-20 Australia, 69 mins
England penalty as Australia pinged for a lack of balance and control, which they challenge but it’s inconclusive so the call stands.
A set of six in the Australia 10. Need to score this time... Pierce-Paul drifts right but there’s no hole in the green and gold line.
Williams pops inside to Farnworth but the door shut again. Final tackle and England score! No they don’t!
Williams offloads out of the tackle to Lewis and he stretches to dot down for the try but the referee rules that the tackle was completed. Gutting. Australia survive.
TRY! England 0-20 Australia (Angus Crichton, 66 mins)
Game, set and match Australia. It’s Angus Crichton again as he gets his second try.
But Cameron Munster is the architect. Good flat pass by Cleary to Munster, who throwas a hard dummy outside and the shifts a pass inside to Crichton on the charge, who runs a great line between defenders and cruises over the line. Lovely play.
Conversion added and England are getting blown away here.
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