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.
13. Loose-forward Morgan Knowles (no 13)
Made some errors, including fumbled a chance in the opening quarter, but had a big dig defensively 6 Photo: Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com
14. Sub: Mikey Lewis (no 7)
Wasted on the bench, got on for the final 11 minutes 5 Photo: Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com
15. Sub: Alex Walmsley (no 15)
One knock-on, but had a stronger game than in the opening Test 5 Photo: Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com
16. Sub: Morgan Smithies (no 16)
His NRL experience showed, made an impact when he came on in the first half 7 Photo: Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com
17. Sub: Mikolaj Oledzki (no 17)
Got 16 minutes in the second half, so no opportunity to impact the game 5 Photo: Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com