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In the words of captain the England captain, England were given a harsh "reality check" as Australia secured the Rugby League Ashes.

Australia's 14-4 triumph at Everton's Hill Dickinson Stadium on Saturday gave them a 2-0 series lead, making the upcoming Headingley encounter a meaningless fixture.

The England team had entered the series dreaming of inflicting Australia to their initial series loss since over five decades ago.

Over the last 24 months, they had secured a 3-0 series win over the Tongan side and a 2-0 triumph over Samoa. But as the historic rivalry returned after a two-decade hiatus, the English were failed to make the leap against the top-ranked team.

"We take full responsibility. There were enough preparations to perform correctly on the pitch, and it's clear we've achieved that," Williams told.

"Credit to Australia. They were strong defensively. But there's plenty to improve. It seems not as strong as we thought we were entering this series.

"So it's a good reality check for us, and there is much to develop."

Australia 'Arrive and Prove Merciless'

After being soundly beaten in an sloppy showing at Wembley, Wane side's were significantly better on Saturday back in the traditional strongholds of the North.

In a rousing first half, the home side forced mistakes from the Kangaroos and had superior positioning and possession, but crucially did not make it count on the scoreboard.

Notably, England have now managed just one score over two full matches, with St Helens hooker Daryl Clark scoring late on in the setback in London.

On the other hand, Australia have racked up half a dozen across the series - and when blunders began to creep into the hosts' play just after the interval, it was a case of certainty, they were going to be heavily penalized.

Initially the playmaker crossed, and then so too did the forward. From being level at four-all, the home side were trailing by 10.

"Satisfied for the majority of the game. I thought for most of the match we were solid," said the coach.

"The switch off for 10 minutes after the break hurt us greatly. The first try was avoidable and should not be scored in a top-level game.

"We're deeply disappointed. So proud the players had a go but so disappointed with that post-interval, which cost us dearly."

Although the next World Cup in Oceania is just under next year, the team's primary concern will be on trying to restore some pride, avoiding a clean sweep and addressing the issues that frustrated Wane.

"I wanted to see additional intensity directed toward the opposition. My aim was us to build pressure in the game - we didn't do that last week," added the veteran coach.

"We did this week. The issue is a bit of detail in our offense where we could have put them under more pressure. It's essential to defend both [tries] better.

"Fair play to Australia - that is not a criticism to them. They perform and are merciless when they get a chance, and we failed to be, but defensively we can and should do enhance.

"They will be focused to win the series whitewash and we need to be obsessed to make it 2-1. I've said that to the squad. It has to be our primary goal. It's going to be a challenging week but the side that wants it the greatest will secure victory next week."

Intensity Must to Improve in Domestic Competition

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

However Wane believes that the caliber of the NRL - and standard of the State of Origin matches between NSW and QLD - provide a more effective foundation for performing at the highest level of the international game than what is available in the UK.

The England coach noted that the packed domestic league fixture schedule allowed no time for him to work with his team during the campaign, which will only raise further questions around how the national team can narrow the difference to the Kangaroos before travelling to the Southern Hemisphere in 2026.

"They participate in a large number of internationals in their league," he added.

"England have ten to fifteen a year. It's crucial demanding games to boost the domestic league and boost our chances of succeeding in these high-stakes fixtures.

"I couldn't even train with the players. We never trained together in the season and despite having the complete support of all clubs in the domestic competition.

"I understand in the boots of the head coaches that must to win games. The competition is that tight. It's a pity but it's not the cause we were defeated today."