A 52,106 full house at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium saw England take the game to the Kangaroos in the opening 40 and they were unlucky not to go in ahead at half-time, Harry Smith kicking two penalty goals to twice cancel out similar efforts by Nathan Cleary.
Australia, though, were the better team in the second period and won the game with two tries in five minutes through Cameron Munster and Hudson Young. Here’s how the England players rated.
1. Full-back: AJ Brimson (number 1)
No real attacking chances, but was steady, was taken out for the penalty which made it all square at the break 6 Photo: Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com
2. Winger: Dom Young (no 2)
Sin-binned inside the opening two minutes, went close twice in the opening 40, a couple of big efforts in defence 6 Photo: Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com
3. Centre: Herbie Farnworth (no 3)
Lovely pass almost put his winger in, but needed more quality ball 7 Photo: Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com
4. Centre: Jake Wardle (no 4)
Created an early chance for his winger; wasn’t really in the game after that, but did make a try-saving tackle on Hudson Young 5 Photo: Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com
5. Wing: Tom Johnstone (no 5)
Had an early chance snuffed out by Reece Walsh, couldn’t take a (poor) pass leading to the Aussies’s first try and didn’t deal with a kick for the second 4 Photo: Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com
6. Stand-off: George Williams (no 6)
Did some good things, but couldn’t create an opening and his poor pass led to the Aussies’ opening try 5 Photo: Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com