Host nation England crashed out of the World Cup just 16 days into the tournament following a 33-13 defeat against Australia at Twickenham. In doing so, they became the first sole World Cup host country to make a pool stage exit.
Here, Press Association Sport looks at five things that were learnt from the game.
STUART LANCASTER'S FUTURE AS ENGLAND HEAD COACH IS IN GRAVE DOUBT
England are out of the World Cup one game inside the distance and it is difficult to envisage how Lancaster can continue in his role as head coach. So much time, money and effort was invested in England's campaign, yet they have been eliminated before the knockout phase. He is a good guy and a good coach but results rule the roost at sport's highest level.
ENGLAND'S LACK OF A SPECIALIST OPENSIDE FLANKER WAS EXPOSED
Australia have Michael Hooper and David Pocock in the same back-row, world champions New Zealand boast the magnificent Richie McCaw, Wales can field Sam Warburton and Justin Tipuric - England have nothing in comparison. The breakdown/contact area often dictates the course of Test matches in the modern era and England were found wanting. Horribly.
ENGLAND WERE PUNISHED FOR POOR COMPOSURE UNDER PRESSURE
As against Wales last Saturday, England could not close out the critical moments. When the heat came on they collectively wilted. They had their moments - notably during the third quarter - but Australia possessed too much class and quality and a 20-point winning margin underlined their supremacy.
ENGLAND HAVE AN EXCITING CROP OF YOUNG PLAYERS
Amid the inevitable gloom and doom, there were some positives, notably players like fly-half George Ford and wing Anthony Watson, which suggests England will be in a strong place at the Japan 2019 tournament. At the moment, though, there can be no avoiding a spectacular sense of messing things up.
AUSTRALIA GET IT RIGHT IN WORLD CUPS
Both of the Wallabies' World Cup triumphs - in 1991 and 1999 - were achieved on British soil, while they also reached the final in Sydney in 2003. They have an uncanny ability of peaking at the tight time and Michael Cheika's men can definitely not be discounted from lifting the trophy this time around.
Source: PA
