🔗 Share this article

As stated by captain the England captain, the national team were given a harsh "sobering lesson" as the Kangaroos clinched the Rugby League Ashes.

The Kangaroos' 14-4 victory at the Merseyside venue on the weekend gave them a commanding series edge, making the upcoming sold-out third Test a academic contest.

The national squad had entered the series holding aspirations of sending the Kangaroos to their maiden Ashes setback since 1970.

Recently, they had achieved a clean sweep over Tonga and a success over the Samoan team. But as the prestigious competition resumed after a 22-year absence, the English were failed to make the leap against the reigning title holders.

"We're not making excuses. There were enough training periods to execute properly on the field, and it's clear we've managed that," the captain commented.

"Australia deserve praise. They proved strong in defense. But we've got a lot to work on. It seems not as prepared as we expected we were entering this series.

"So it's a good reality check for us, and there is much to develop."

The Kangaroos 'Arrive and Are Ruthless'

Having been soundly beaten in an mistake-ridden performance at Wembley, Wane side's were significantly better on Saturday back in the rugby league heartlands of the North.

In an inspiring first half, the home side caused turnovers from the Kangaroos and had dominant territory and possession, but importantly did not capitalize on the scoreboard.

Notably, the English team have now scored just one try over 160 minutes, with player Daryl Clark barging over late on in the setback in the capital.

In contrast, Australia have racked up half a dozen so far - and when blunders began to appear in the hosts' play just after the interval, it was a case of when, not if, they were going to be made to pay.

Initially Cameron Munster scored, and then so too did Hudson Young. From being level at 4-4, the home side were 10 points adrift.

"Satisfied for the majority of the game. In my view for 70 minutes we were good," said Wane.

"The drop in intensity for 10 minutes after the break cost us immensely. Munster's try was easy and should never happen in a top-level game.

"We're heartbroken. So proud the squad had a fight but very frustrated with that after half-time, which cost us heavily."

Although the upcoming global tournament in Oceania is just under a year from now, England's immediate focus will be on trying to restore some pride, avoiding a clean sweep and addressing the errors that frustrated the coach.

"I hoped to see more thrown at Australia. I wanted us to build pressure in the game - we failed to deliver last week," added the veteran coach.

"We did this week. The issue is a lack of precision in our offense where we could have applied under increased strain. We need to defend both [tries] with greater resolve.

"Credit to the Kangaroos - that is no detriment to them. They perform and are clinical when they seize opportunities, and we failed to be, but defensively we can and should do enhance.

"The Australians will be determined to win 3-0 and we need to be obsessed to make it a respectable scoreline. I've told that to the squad. It has to be our primary goal. It will be a challenging week but whoever desires it the greatest will secure victory next week."

Intensity Needs to Improve in Super League

England have participated in a similar number of Test matches to Australia since the last World Cup in 2022.

Yet Wane argues that the caliber of the Australian league - and level of the State of Origin matches between NSW and Queensland - offer a more effective preparation for competing at the highest level of the international game than what is on offer in the Europe.

The England coach noted that the hectic Super League fixture list allowed little opportunity for him to work with his team during the campaign, which will only pose additional concerns around how the national team can close the divide to Australia before heading to Oceania in 2026.

"They participate in a large number of internationals in their competition," Wane remarked.

"We play 10-15 a year. We need really intense games to boost the competition and improve our prospects of succeeding in these sorts of games.

"I couldn't even train with the players. There was no chance to got on the field in the season and I had the total cooperation of all clubs in Super League.

"I understand in the boots of the club managers that must to win games. The competition is that congested. It's unfortunate but that's not the reason we were defeated today."