Matty Lees: Fractured eye socket and baby daughter make for unusual Rugby League Ashes

He will attempt to prevent England suffering a 3-0 whitewash after a comprehensive 26-6 defeat in London was followed by a 14-4 loss last Saturday in a much-improved performance at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium.

England have matched world champions Australia at points in the series so far but have failed to take crucial try-scoring chances and have had little answer when the Kangaroos played at full pelt.

Lees admits England have not been perfect – especially at Wembley, when their much-anticipated first Ashes meeting in 22 years turned into a damp squib in a flat atmosphere.

But he says the improvements seen in Liverpool, where they were level at Australia following a first half they dominated, can be taken to Leeds.

“That first Test didn’t lack effort, but we lacked clarity in our roles,” he said.

“We fixed that in the second match. We were a lot happier and that showed. We were in there competing. Hopefully we can build on that.

“We were hurting after the second game, although we were happy with the performance. We can be better in this third Test. We have got the enjoyment back.”

Lees says England will be motivated by the aim of averting a series whitewash and earning a first Test win over Australia since 1995, as well as the thought of next year’s World Cup down under.

Head coach Shaun Wane has faced scrutiny regarding his prospects of leading England into that tournament, although when asked what last Saturday’s defeat might mean for his future,, external he said he “couldn’t care less” about the issue – saying he was only focused on winning the final Test.

And Lees is firmly behind the former Wigan boss, saying: “He is the perfect fit for the job. I love every chance I get to play under him; he brings the best out of me and is one of the best coaches I have had.”