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In the words of leader George Williams, England were given a stark "reality check" as Australia won the Rugby League Ashes.

The Kangaroos' 14-4 triumph at the Merseyside venue on the weekend gave them a 2-0 series lead, making the upcoming Headingley encounter a dead rubber.

Shaun Wane's side had entered the series harbouring hopes of sending Australia to their initial series loss since 1970.

In the past two years, they had achieved a clean sweep over the Tongan side and a success over the Samoan team. But as the historic rivalry returned after a two-decade hiatus, England were failed to take the next step against the world champions.

"We take full responsibility. There were enough training periods to get it right on the pitch, and I don't think we've achieved that," the captain stated.

"Full marks to the Kangaroos. They proved good defensively. But we've got a lot to improve. It seems not as prepared as we believed we were entering this series.

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

The Kangaroos 'Turn Up and Prove Clinical'

After being comprehensively defeated in an mistake-ridden performance at the national stadium, Wane side's were much improved on the weekend back in the traditional strongholds of the North.

During an energetic first half, the home side caused turnovers from the Kangaroos and had dominant territory and possession, but importantly did not capitalize on the points tally.

Significantly, England have now managed just one score over two full matches, with player the forward powering through late on in the setback in the capital.

On the other hand, the Kangaroos have racked up six so far - and when errors began to appear in the hosts' play just after the break, it was a case of certainty, they were going to be severely punished.

Initially the playmaker crossed, and then so too did Hudson Young. From being level at 4-4, the home side were 10 points adrift.

"Proud for the majority of the game. In my view for most of the match we were solid," said the coach.

"The lapse for a brief period after half-time cost us severely. The first try was avoidable and should never happen in a international fixture.

"We're deeply disappointed. Extremely pleased the players had a fight but so disappointed with that after half-time, which hurt us dearly."

Although the next World Cup in Australia and Papua New Guinea is just under a year from now, England's immediate focus will be on attempting to regain respect, preventing a series whitewash and addressing the issues that frustrated Wane.

"I wanted to see more directed toward Australia. I wanted us to maintain momentum in the game - we fell short last week," added the 61-year-old.

"We managed this week. The issue is a minor refinements in our offensive play where we could have applied under greater stress. It's essential to stop each of [tries] more effectively.

"Credit to the Kangaroos - that is not a criticism to them. They perform and are merciless when they capitalize, and we failed to be, but defensively we must do better.

"They will be determined to win all three Tests and we need to be just as focused to make it 2-1. I've told that to the squad. This must become our primary goal. It will be a difficult week but whoever strives for it the most will emerge victorious 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 last World Cup in recent years.

However Wane argues that the caliber of the NRL - and standard of the domestic rivalry matches between New South Wales and QLD - provide a superior foundation for performing at the highest level of the global stage than what is on offer in the UK.

The England coach noted that the packed domestic league fixture list allowed no time for him to coach his squad during the season, which will only pose more issues around how England can narrow the difference to Australia before heading to Oceania in the next World Cup.

"The Australians participate in a large number of internationals in their league," Wane stated.

"We play ten to fifteen a year. It's crucial highly competitive games to improve the competition and increase our chances of succeeding in these types of matches.

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

"I understand in the boots of the club managers that need to win games. The competition is that packed. It's a pity but that's not the cause we lost today."