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As stated by skipper George Williams, the national team were delivered a stark "reality check" as Australia secured the prestigious series.

The Kangaroos' 14-4 victory at the stadium in Liverpool on the weekend gave them a 2-0 series lead, making next week's Headingley encounter a meaningless fixture.

Shaun Wane's side had entered the series dreaming of sending the Kangaroos to their maiden Ashes setback since the 1970s.

In the past two years, they had achieved a 3-0 series win 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 reigning title holders.

"We're not making excuses. There were enough preparations to get it right on the pitch, and it's clear we've quite done that," the captain told.

"Full marks to the Kangaroos. They were good defensively. But there's plenty to improve. We're probably not as strong as we thought we were going into this series.

"This serves as a necessary lesson for us, and we have plenty to develop."

The Kangaroos 'Turn Up and Prove Ruthless'

Having been soundly beaten in an error-strewn display at the national stadium, England's were markedly enhanced on Saturday back in the traditional strongholds of northern England.

In an inspiring initial stages, England elicited errors from the Australians and had superior positioning and ball control, but unfortunately did not capitalize on the scoreboard.

Notably, the English team have now scored just one try over two full matches, with St Helens hooker Daryl Clark scoring late on in the defeat in the capital.

In contrast, the Kangaroos have accumulated six across the series - and when mistakes began to creep into the England's play just after the half-time, it was a case of when, not if, they were going to be heavily penalized.

First Cameron Munster went over, and then so too did the forward. From being tied at 4-4, England were down by double digits.

"Satisfied for the bulk of the game. I thought for 70 minutes we were competitive," said the coach.

"The lapse for 10 minutes after half-time cost us immensely. Munster's try was soft and should not be scored in a international fixture.

"The team is deeply disappointed. So proud the squad had a go but so disappointed with that post-interval, which hurt us heavily."

Although the next World Cup in the Southern Hemisphere is just under 12 months away, the team's primary concern will be on trying to salvage honor, preventing a 3-0 sweep and addressing the mistakes that annoyed Wane.

"I wanted to see additional intensity thrown at Australia. I wanted us to build pressure in the game - we fell short last week," added the 61-year-old.

"We did this week. It's just a minor refinements in our offensive play where we could have applied under increased strain. It's essential to defend both [tries] with greater resolve.

"Fair play to the Kangaroos - that is no detriment to them. They arrive and are clinical when they get a chance, and we failed to be, but in defense we can and should do improve.

"The Australians 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. This must become our primary goal. It will be a tough week but the side that strives for it the most will emerge victorious next week."

Competitive Edge Needs to Elevate in Super League

England have played a similar number of Test matches to the Kangaroos since the previous global tournament in recent years.

Yet the coach argues that the strength of the Australian league - and level of the domestic rivalry matches between NSW and Queensland - provide a much better grounding for competing at the top of the international game than what is available in the UK.

The England coach commented that the hectic Super League fixture schedule allowed no time for him to train his team during the campaign, which will only raise additional concerns around how the national team can close the divide to the Kangaroos before heading to Oceania in the next World Cup.

"They play a lot of internationals in their competition," Wane stated.

"We have 10-15 a year. It's crucial highly competitive games to enhance the competition and increase our chances of succeeding in these sorts of games.

"I couldn't even practice with the squad. We never got on the field in the campaign and despite having the complete support of everyone in the domestic competition.

"I understand in the boots of the head coaches that must to win games. The league is that congested. It's a pity but it's not the reason we got beaten today."