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In the words of captain George Williams, England were handed a stark "reality check" as Australia won the Rugby League Ashes.

Australia's decisive 14-4 win at the stadium in Liverpool on the weekend gave them a unassailable 2-0 advantage, making next week's sold-out third Test a academic contest.

The England team had come into the series holding aspirations of sending the Kangaroos to their maiden Ashes setback since the 1970s.

In the past two years, they had secured a clean sweep over Tonga and a 2-0 triumph over Samoa. But as the prestigious competition returned after a 22-year absence, the English were unable to take the next step against the reigning title holders.

"We take full responsibility. There were enough preparations to get it right on the pitch, and I don't think we've achieved that," the captain stated.

"Full marks to the Kangaroos. They proved strong in defense. But there's plenty to improve. We're probably not as prepared as we thought we were going into this series.

"This serves as a valuable lesson for us, and there is much to develop."

Australia 'Arrive and Prove Clinical'

After being soundly beaten in an error-strewn display at Wembley, England's were significantly better on the weekend back in the core regions of the North.

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

Tellingly, the English team have now scored just a single touchdown over 160 minutes, with St Helens hooker the forward barging over late on in the setback in London.

In contrast, Australia have accumulated six so far - and when errors began to appear in the hosts' play just after the break, it was a case of certainty, they were going to be made to pay.

First the playmaker crossed, and then so too did Hudson Young. From being level at 4-4, England were trailing by 10.

"Satisfied for the bulk of the game. In my view for 70 minutes we were solid," said the coach.

"The switch off for 10 minutes after the break cost us greatly. Munster's try was easy and should not be scored in a Test match.

"The team is deeply disappointed. Extremely pleased the players had a dig but so disappointed with that post-interval, which proved costly heavily."

Although the next World Cup in Australia and Papua New Guinea is just under 12 months away, England's primary concern will be on attempting to restore some pride, avoiding a 3-0 sweep and addressing the issues that frustrated Wane.

"I wanted to see additional intensity directed toward Australia. My aim was us to maintain momentum in the game - we fell short last week," added the 61-year-old.

"We managed this week. The issue is a lack of precision in our offensive play where we could have put them under increased strain. It's essential to defend both [tries] better.

"Credit to Australia - that is no detriment to them. They turn up and are merciless when they seize opportunities, and we failed to be, but in defense we must do enhance.

"The Australians will be focused to win 3-0 and we need to be obsessed to make it 2-1. I've told that to the squad. This must become our obsession. It's going to be a difficult week but whoever wants it the most will emerge victorious next week."

Intensity Needs to Elevate in Domestic Competition

The English side have played a similar number of international fixtures to Australia since the previous global tournament in 2022.

However Wane thinks that the caliber of the NRL - and standard of the domestic rivalry matches between New South Wales and Queensland - deliver a more effective preparation for competing at the highest level of the international game than what is available in the Europe.

The England coach commented that the hectic domestic league fixture schedule allowed no time for him to work with his team during the campaign, which will only raise additional concerns around how England can narrow the difference to the Kangaroos before heading to Oceania in 2026.

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

"England have ten to fifteen a year. It's crucial demanding games to improve the domestic league and increase our prospects of winning these types of matches.

"I couldn't even practice with the squad. There was no chance to got on the field in the season and despite having the full backing of everyone in Super League.

"I understand in the shoes of the head coaches that need to win games. The league is that packed. It's a pity but that's not the cause we lost today."