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In the words of captain George Williams, the national team were given a brutal "sobering lesson" as the Kangaroos won the Rugby League Ashes.

Australia's 14-4 victory at Everton's Hill Dickinson Stadium on the weekend gave them a unassailable 2-0 advantage, making next week's final match in Leeds a meaningless fixture.

The national squad had entered the series harbouring hopes of inflicting the Kangaroos to their maiden Ashes setback since 1970.

In the past two years, they had secured a dominant victory over the Tongan side and a 2-0 triumph over Samoa. But as the prestigious competition returned after a two-decade hiatus, England were failed to take the next step against the reigning title holders.

"No excuses from us. There were enough sessions to get it right on the pitch, and I don't think we've achieved that," Williams told.

"Full marks to the Kangaroos. They were strong in defense. But there's a lot to work on. We're probably not as good as we believed we were going into this series.

"So it's a necessary lesson for us, and there is much to enhance."

The Kangaroos 'Show Up and Prove Ruthless'

Having been soundly beaten in an mistake-ridden performance at the national stadium, Wane side's were markedly enhanced on Saturday back in the core regions of England's north.

During an energetic initial stages, the home side caused turnovers from the Australians and had dominant territory and ball control, but unfortunately did not capitalize on the scoreboard.

Tellingly, the English team have now managed just one try over the series so far, with St Helens hooker Daryl Clark barging over late on in the defeat in London.

On the other hand, Australia have racked up half a dozen in two games - and when errors began to creep into the hosts' play just after the break, it was a case of certainty, they were going to be made to pay.

Initially Cameron Munster scored, and then so too did Hudson Young. From being level at 4-4, England were down by double digits.

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

"The switch off for 10 minutes after half-time hurt us immensely. Munster's try was soft and should never happen in a top-level game.

"The team is devastated. Extremely pleased the squad had a go but very frustrated with that after half-time, which cost us heavily."

While the upcoming global tournament in Oceania is just under next year, the team's primary concern will be on trying to regain respect, preventing a series whitewash and eradicating the mistakes that frustrated the coach.

"I hoped to see more thrown at the opposition. My aim was us to apply sustained attack in the game - we fell short last week," added the 61-year-old.

"We managed this week. The issue is a bit of detail in our offense where we could have applied under increased strain. It's essential to defend both [tries] better.

"Fair play to Australia - that is no slight to them. They perform and are merciless when they get a chance, and we failed to be, but in defense we must do better.

"The Australians will be focused to win the series whitewash and we need to be obsessed to make it a competitive series. I've told that to the players. It has to be our main aim. It's going to be a tough week but whoever desires it the most will secure victory next week."

Competitive Edge Needs to Improve in Domestic Competition

The English side have played a comparable number of international fixtures to the Kangaroos since the previous global tournament in recent years.

Yet Wane argues that the caliber of the Australian league - and quality of the State of Origin matches between NSW and QLD - provide a superior grounding for performing at the highest level of the international game than what is on offer in the UK.

Wane added that the hectic domestic league fixture list allowed little opportunity for him to work with his players during the season, which will only raise more issues around how England can close the divide to Australia before travelling to the Southern Hemisphere in the next World Cup.

"They play a lot of Test matches in their league," Wane remarked.

"We play 10-15 a year. It's crucial highly competitive games to enhance the domestic league and boost our chances of succeeding in these sorts of games.

"I couldn't even practice with the players. There was no chance to got on the field in the season and despite having the full backing of everyone in the domestic competition.

"I understand in the boots of the club managers that need to win games. The league is that congested. It's a pity but it's not the reason we lost today."