🔗 Share this article

As stated by leader George Williams, the national team were delivered a brutal "wake-up call" as the Kangaroos clinched the prestigious series.

The Kangaroos' 14-4 triumph at the Merseyside venue on the weekend gave them a 2-0 series lead, making next week's Headingley encounter a academic contest.

Shaun Wane's side had come into the series harbouring hopes of inflicting Australia to their maiden Ashes setback since 1970.

In the past two years, they had enjoyed a 3-0 series win over the Tongan side and a 2-0 triumph over the Samoan team. But as the Rugby League Ashes returned after a long break, the English were unable to make the leap against the reigning title holders.

"We're not making excuses. We've had enough training periods to get it right on the field, and it's clear we've achieved that," the captain stated.

"Credit to Australia. They were strong in defense. But we've got plenty to address. We're probably not as strong as we expected we were entering this series.

"This serves as a valuable reality check for us, and [there is] loads to enhance."

Australia 'Show Up and Are Merciless'

Having been soundly beaten in an mistake-ridden performance at the national stadium, Wane side's were markedly enhanced on the weekend back in the core regions of northern England.

In an inspiring initial stages, England caused turnovers from the Australians and had dominant territory and possession, but unfortunately did not convert opportunities on the scoreboard.

Tellingly, England have now managed just one try over the series so far, with player Daryl Clark powering through late on in the loss in London.

In contrast, the Kangaroos have scored six so far - and when errors began to appear in the England's play just after the interval, it was a case of inevitability, they were going to be made to pay.

First Cameron Munster crossed, and then so too did the forward. From being tied at four-all, England were trailing by 10.

"Proud for the bulk of the game. In my view for most of the match we were solid," said the coach.

"The drop in intensity for a brief period after the break cost us severely. Munster's try was soft and should never happen in a international fixture.

"We're deeply disappointed. Extremely pleased the players had a fight but very frustrated with that second-half lapse, which cost us heavily."

While the upcoming global tournament in Oceania is just under 12 months away, England's primary concern will be on attempting to regain respect, avoiding a 3-0 sweep and eliminating the errors that irritated the coach.

"I wanted to see more directed toward Australia. My aim was us to build pressure in the game - we fell short last week," added the 61-year-old.

"We managed this week. The issue is a bit of detail in our offensive play where we could have put them under increased strain. We need to stop each of [tries] better.

"Fair play to the Kangaroos - that is no slight to them. They arrive and are ruthless when they get a chance, and we weren't, but defensively we must do better.

"They will be obsessed to win the series whitewash and we need to be just as focused to make it a competitive series. I've told that to the players. It has to be our obsession. It's going to be a tough week but the side that desires it the most will get the win next week."

Intensity Needs to Elevate in Super League

The English side have participated in a comparable number of international fixtures to Australia since the last World Cup in recent years.

However Wane thinks that the quality of the Australian league - and quality of the domestic rivalry matches between NSW and Queensland - deliver a much better foundation for performing at the top of the international game than what is available in the Europe.

Wane commented that the hectic domestic league calendar left no time for him to work with his squad during the season, which will only raise additional concerns around how England can close the divide to Australia before travelling to the Southern Hemisphere in the next World Cup.

"The Australians participate in a large number of Test matches in their competition," Wane stated.

"England play 10-15 a year. It's crucial really intense games to enhance the competition and improve our prospects of winning these sorts of games.

"It was impossible to even train with the squad. We never got on the field in the season and despite having the total cooperation of all clubs in the domestic competition.

"I understand in the shoes of the club managers that must to win games. The competition is that packed. It's a pity but it's not the reason we got beaten today."