Amid the disappointment of losing the first Rugby League Ashes series for 22 years, England’s players still believe they are not far behind world champions Australia.
Close but not close enough
In both Tests, England started strongly but faded when Australia lifted their intensity. The Kangaroos won 26-6 at Wembley and 14-4 in Liverpool. Missed chances and tight refereeing calls didn’t help, but when Reece Walsh and Nathan Cleary found rhythm, England had no reply.
Lack of international exposure
Head coach Shaun Wane says the team’s limited international schedule is a major issue. With Super League fixtures and the Challenge Cup filling the calendar, England missed their mid-season Test this year — and none is planned for 2026. “If we want a fair international calendar, we need to play Australia more often,” Wane said.
Learning from the past
Comparisons have been drawn with the side that reached the 2017 World Cup final. But veteran Kallum Watkins, part of both teams, says England have not gone backwards. “We’ve been close. The core group is strong; it’s about gaining experience and fixing small details,” he told BBC Sport.
Players still believe
Prop Matty Lees says England’s domestic success, including St Helens’ World Club Challenge win over Penrith, shows the gap is not huge. “We’ve beaten their best club sides. Internationally, we’re improving each game,” he said.
Execution and decision-making
England’s main issue, according to Lees, was tactical clarity. “The first Test lacked direction. We fixed that in the second and looked better,” he said. Hooker Jez Litten added, “We dominated long spells but didn’t turn pressure into points. Australia were just more clinical.”
Backing for Wane
While some fans have questioned Wane’s selections and defensive focus, players continue to back him. “I love Shaun Wane – he’s passionate and knows how to motivate us,” said Litten. “To represent our country under him is unreal.”
Focus on the final Test
Saturday’s final Ashes Test at Headingley may be a dead rubber, but it could shape England’s World Cup preparations. Australia are unchanged except for the return of captain Isaah Yeo. “We don’t want a whitewash,” said Lees. “A win here will set us up well for next year.”
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