England 6 – 26 Australia

Australia leads 1-0 in Ashes series after Wembley domination; The Kangaroos scored four tries through Reece Walsh and Angus Crichton; Nathan Cleary added four conversions and a penalty; the second test will take place at Everton's Hill-Dickinson Stadium on Saturday 1 November

Australia take a 1-0 lead into the Ashes after a strong performance at Wembley

England were stunned by Australia in a 26-6 defeat in the first Ashes Test at Wembley Stadium.

After a cautious first 40 minutes, it was Australia who took an 8-0 lead into half-time, a converted effort from Reece Walsh and a Nathan Cleary penalty just after 40 minutes putting the Kangaroos ahead.

Australia were then in the driver's seat, a double from Angus Crichton, Walsh second and the perfection of Cleary's boot giving them a 26-0 lead.

Dary Clark managed to provide England with some consolation, but it was too little, too late as they suffered a comprehensive 26-6 defeat.

Reece Walsh opened the scoring for Australia with a brilliant finish

Australia take a 1-0 lead in this three-match series with contests at Everton's Hill-Dickinson Stadium and Headingley in Leeds.

England must win at Everton on Saturday November 1 to keep this series alive, putting all the pressure on Shaun Wane's side.

Australia show class as England leave with questions

The stage was set in front of 60,812 spectators at Wembley Stadium for the first Ashes Test since 2003 and delivered what fans had been waiting for for 22 years.

In the first encounters, handling errors plagued both teams, who were rusty and opportunity played its part.

It was a hard-fought battle with Herbie Farnworth shining for England

That meant it took 22 minutes before Australia opened the scoring after the video referee ruled there was no obstruction to Mikey Lewis in the build-up, with Kotoni Staggs breaking through to find Walsh inside who hit the passing swan diving pass. Clearly converted for a 6-0 lead.

Australia then thought they had pulled it back in the 37th minute through Angus Crichton, but a video check by the referee revealed Dom Young had been taken out in the air in the build-up by Josh Addo-Carr.

Reece Walsh opened the scoring for Australia with a brilliant finish

However, they finished the first 40 by adding two more points as Jez Litten was called upon for a draw on Walsh, with Cleary slotting the penalty for an 8-0 lead at the break.

Australia came out strong in the second half and after a worrying break from Walsh, they were quick to finish, Crichton getting past Alex Walmsley and then Jack Welsby to dive, Cleary precise with the boot to put his side 14-0 up.

As England bombarded their chances despite periods of pressure, they found themselves chasing points they couldn't add.

Angus Crichton crossed twice in the second half as Australia led

Crichton then completed a brace in the 65th minute by completing an inside pass from Cameron Munster, with Cleary's conversion putting Australia comfortably 20–0 up.

The complete and utter domination then ended in the 71st minute when Gehamat Shibasaki broke down the left edge and found Walsh inside for his second. With Cleary's extras, the Kangaroos led 26-0 and England were left with plenty of questions to answer.

Daryl Clark managed to score points for England

While Clark managed to get on top for a consolation effort, it was too little, too late.

England have a must-win game on the horizon and it's one in which they will need to show much more than they did at Wembley.

Rugby League Ashes 2025

First try: England 6-26 Australia

Second try: Saturday 1 November, Everton Stadium, Liverpool

Third try: Saturday 8 November, Headingley Stadium, Leeds