Ashes England defeat What the series loss leaves behind

England’s heavy defeats in the 2025 Rugby League Ashes series highlight the gap to Australia—what it means for coach Shaun Wane and the road to the World Cup.

Series overview

England’s 2025 Rugby League Ashes campaign against Australia ended in disappointment. Australia won the opening Test 26‑6 at Wembley Stadium in London and followed it up with a 14‑4 victory in Liverpool at Hill Dickinson Stadium. These results confirm that England have now lost the first Ashes series since 2003.

England’s performance under scrutiny

Despite the losses, England’s players believe they are not far from matching Australia. The team often performed well in the first half of both Tests, with missed opportunities and close refereeing decisions shaping the outcomes. However, when Australia elevated their game after halftime, England struggled to respond.

Shaun Wane, England’s coach, emphasized the limited opportunities to play regular international matches as a constraint for the team. The busy domestic schedule means Super League players have more matches than their Australian NRL counterparts, leaving less room for mid-season international Tests. The upcoming World Cup in Australia next year makes it even more critical for England to gain experience against top teams.

Player insights and progress

Kallum Watkins, the only player to feature in both the 2017 World Cup final and the current squad, believes England has not regressed. “We have a strong core group; it’s about giving them experience,” he said. “This series has been a platform to build up for the World Cup.”

St Helens prop Matty Lees highlighted England’s domestic successes and strong performances against Tonga and Samoa since the last World Cup. “At club level, we even beat Penrith in the World Club Challenge,” Lees noted. “We are improving and getting closer internationally.”

Tactical challenges

England’s main issue has been execution rather than effort. Poor tactical decisions in the opening Test left them outnumbered in midfield, while Australia dominated possession. Improvements in kicking strategy and physical competitiveness were evident in the second Test, but individual brilliance from Australian stars like Reece Walsh and Nathan Cleary ultimately decided the matches.

Jez Litten emphasized the positives: “For long spells, we competed and dominated. We just need the points to reflect that. The experience is invaluable for the World Cup.”

Support for Shaun Wane

Despite criticism from some corners, England players strongly support their coach. Litten said, “Shaun Wane is passionate about his country, and he motivates us incredibly well. We are proud to play under him.”

Looking ahead to the World Cup

While the final Test at Headingley may not affect the series outcome, it will be an important indicator of England’s readiness for the World Cup. A strong showing could boost confidence and provide momentum, while another defeat would highlight areas for further improvement.

England must convert strong first-half performances into complete matches and sharpen tactical execution. More international fixtures could help the team gain valuable experience under pressure and prepare them for the challenges ahead in Australia.