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In the words of skipper George Williams, the national team were delivered a harsh "wake-up call" as Australia won the coveted Ashes trophy.

The Kangaroos' 14-4 victory at the stadium in Liverpool on Saturday gave them a commanding series edge, making next week's sold-out third Test a dead rubber.

The national squad had entered the series harbouring hopes of sending the Kangaroos to their initial series loss since the 1970s.

Recently, they had secured a 3-0 series win over Tonga and a series win over Samoa. But as the historic rivalry returned after a long break, the English were failed to advance further against the world champions.

"We're not making excuses. We've had enough preparations to perform correctly on the pitch, and it's clear we've achieved that," the captain told.

"Australia deserve praise. They were strong in defense. But we've got plenty to address. We're probably not as strong as we thought we were going into this series.

"So it's a valuable reality check for us, and [there is] loads to improve on."

Australia 'Arrive and Prove Merciless'

After being soundly beaten in an error-strewn display at the national stadium, England's were significantly better on the weekend back in the rugby league heartlands of England's north.

In a rousing opening period, England elicited errors from the Australians and had dominant territory and possession, but crucially did not capitalize on the points tally.

Notably, the English team have now scored just a single touchdown over two full matches, with player Daryl Clark barging over late on in the loss in the capital.

In contrast, Australia have racked up half a dozen in two games - and when mistakes began to affect the England's play just after the half-time, it was a case of certainty, they were going to be severely punished.

Initially Cameron Munster went over, and then so too did the forward. From being tied at 4-4, the home side were trailing by 10.

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

"The switch off for 10 minutes after the break damaged us greatly. Munster's try was soft and should not be scored in a top-level game.

"We're deeply disappointed. So proud the squad had a fight but so disappointed with that second-half lapse, which cost us dearly."

While the next World Cup in the Southern Hemisphere is just under a year from now, the team's primary concern will be on attempting to regain respect, avoiding a 3-0 sweep and eradicating the mistakes that frustrated Wane.

"I hoped to see additional intensity directed toward the opposition. My aim was us to maintain momentum in the game - we failed to deliver last week," added the 61-year-old.

"We did this week. It's just a lack of precision in our attack where we could have applied under increased strain. We need to stop each of [tries] more effectively.

"Fair play to the Kangaroos - that is no slight to them. They arrive and are merciless when they seize opportunities, and we failed to be, but defensively we must do enhance.

"The Australians will be obsessed to win the series whitewash and we need to be obsessed to make it a respectable scoreline. I've said that to the squad. This must become our main aim. It will be a tough week but the side that desires it the greatest will secure victory next week."

Competitive Edge Must to Elevate in Super League

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

Yet Wane argues that the quality of the NRL - and quality of the domestic rivalry matches between New South Wales and QLD - provide a much better foundation for competing at the top of the global stage than what is on offer in the northern hemisphere.

The England coach noted that the congested Super League fixture list allowed little opportunity for him to work with his squad during the season, which will only raise additional concerns around how the national team can narrow the difference to Australia before travelling to the Southern Hemisphere in the next World Cup.

"The Australians participate in a large number of Test matches in their competition," he remarked.

"England play 10-15 a year. It's crucial demanding games to enhance the competition and increase our chances of succeeding in these types of matches.

"It was impossible to even practice with the squad. We never got on the field in the campaign and despite having the total cooperation of everyone in Super League.

"I have also been in the position of the head coaches that need to win games. The competition is that tight. It's a pity but it's not the reason we lost today."