Why it's time for England to throw something different at the Aussies

The long wait continues. England/Great Britain haven't won the Ashes since 1970 and with Australia 2-0 ahead in the ABK Beer series going into Saturday's final game at AMT Headingley, that won't change this year.

- by Peter Smith

TIME TO REGROUP: England's Mikolai Oledzki, Matty Lees, Kallum Watkins, Mikey Lewis and Jake Wardle in a team huddle.

(PICTURE: SWPIX.COM)

After the 26-6 defeat at Wembley, the home side matched the Kangaroos for most of last weekend's rematch in Liverpool, but ultimately came up short, losing 14-4. Here's five talking points ahead of the final match of the 2025 rugby league season.

Not good enough: Fans in this weekend's sellout crowd deserve better. England have scored one try in 160 minutes of Test rugby and that's unacceptable. It was an improved performance at Everton, but giving the Aussies a tough game should be the minimum expectation, rather than a cause for satisfaction.

England's pack were good, they took the game to the Kangaroos and muscled up physically, but the attack was nowhere near the standard required. Coach Shaun Wane's side have created chances, but in both games, but other than one late lapse when the opening Test was already won, Australia's defence has been able to handle everything thrown at it. Changes, in tactics and personnel, are needed if England are going to prevent a whitewash at Headingley this weekend.