England had to be at their absolute best to win - they weren't

It was a sobering and demoralising afternoon for Shaun Wane's England.

- By MATT SHAW

Reece Walsh celebrates scoring the opening try against England

(MICHAEL STEELE/ GETTY IMAGES)

They were well beaten 26-6 by Australia, and they now have to get back to the drawing board.

The feeling of excitement and optimism has quickly eroded after a tough watch at Wembley.

There was hope that England would not only be able to match Australia, but beat them.

The scoreline, and particularly the second half performance, was a brutal realisation that there is scope for England to be on the receiving end of a long series if they do not improve.

Shaun Wane said England must be at their absolute best to win.

The truth of the matter was that they were not.

The scoreline was, perhaps, ever so slightly harsh. For the first 50 minutes, England were well in the contest and will have a look back on moments they should have done better. The last 30 minutes, though, were alarming.