In the end, this proved to be too much yet again for Wales' young and new-look team. Despite all the effort and shooting optimism highlighted by head coach Warren Gatland, Wales once again failed to win at Twickenham.
They may be young, but this 2024 Gatland class is rapidly learning the harsh realities of international rugby, with Wales losing nine of their last 10 Six Nations games.
In this year's tournament, they have lost two and lost two games against Scotland and England, with a total difference of just three points. It would be a huge blow, especially since both games could have been won by Wales.
It may be a new era, but Twickenham's old problems remain. This was England's eighth consecutive defeat at home to a Red Rose side since 2015.
Wales lived up to their reputation as slow starters, conceding 27 points in 43 minutes to Scotland, but fought back to lose by one point.
However, Wales bucked the trend against Twickenham and led at half-time for the first time in this competition since 1980.
However, Wales were scoreless in the second half, conceding 11 goals, and their 14-5 advantage was overturned. The inexperienced team lacked the composure that sealed victory.
Game management is a problem
Wales showed some laxity in important moments. Olly Chetham and Ethan Roots were shown yellow cards, giving the visitors a two-man advantage in the first half, but Wales were unable to press on.
Wales have been here before under Gatland at Twickenham, losing to Australia in the 2015 World Cup and losing to England before last year's World Cup.
On this occasion, fly-half Yoan Lloyd made his first international start wearing the legendary Wales number 10, replacing the injured Sam Costelow.
Wales are looking to replace the retired Dan Biggar and the inactive Gareth Anscombe, but they don't have many options.
Lloyd, 22, is a different kind of flyhalf to Biggar, who is a more attacking option and has played a lot of senior rugby at fullback. He remains immature and Wales will have to be patient with him and Costelow.
Lloyd showed glimpses of his ability in the second half with a powerful long pass to Cameron Wynnett that almost set up Rio Dyer's try.
There will be events that he will look back on with regret and realize just how unforgiving life as a flyhalf can be.
Wales forced a penalty try and were playing with 13 men when Lloyd was caught under his own post by Maro Itoje shortly after the restart. The visitors conceded a scrum and Ben Earl powered over for a try.
“I probably won't play with my 22 if England go to 13,” Gatland said.
“This is an opportunity to play in territory and get the ball in there and squeeze them.
“It's part of the learning process. I'm not criticizing any individual. I've been through something like this before with other teams.”
Kick contest, aerial technique
With time limited against an aggressive England defence, Lloyd tried to change things up with his kicking game, but his search chips were largely missing the mark.
England fly-half George Ford has had his own problems, including controversially having a conversion attempt rejected by the onrushing Rio Dier and Elliott Dee.
Ford stepped up as required and applied pressure with a brilliant kick that made it 50-22, resulting in Mason Grady being shown a yellow card for a deliberate knock-on.
Ford gave England the lead for the first time after 72 minutes when he missed a penalty, with Wales chasing the result with just 14 men. That was the game.
Not for the first time in recent matches against England, Wales also lost an aerial duel.
England full-back Freddie Steward often dominated these exchanges and was given opportunities to excel.
set piece change
England's kicking strategy and superiority in set pieces in the second half were the key to the comeback.
Wales conceded just four penalties against Scotland, but amazingly they conceded none in the first half against Twickenham.
However, things were different in the second half, with Wales struggling at set pieces after Elliot Dee and Keiron Assilatti were substituted. Hooker Dee was outstanding in the second half against Scotland.
Tighthead prop Archie Griffin, 22, made his Wales debut off the bench after just five games for Bath.
The visiting pack found themselves on the wrong side of the referee in the scrum and the lineout began to malfunction, with Ryan Elias struggling to find his jumper.
Gatland explained why he made the change to his front row.
“We thought that by putting Ryan and Archie on, we could get some fresh legs and some experience,” Gatland said.
“We've probably lost a bit of accuracy. I thought Elliott was an outstanding player and he was great when he came on in the second half against Scotland last week.”
Remarkable Refel
England number eight Earl was named player of the match, but Welsh flanker Tommy Leffell could have won the award.
England manager Steve Borthwick knows the ambitious flanker, having worked with him at Leicester. Leffel's trademark turnovers were evident and his attacking ability was also on display, contributing to Alex Mann's try.
“We know how good he is defensively, but we want him to be more comfortable with the ball in his hands,” Gatland said.
“He's come in as a running threat, a bit more of an option, as he did last week and against England. He's starting to find a good balance in his game, so I'm happy for him.”
“That could take him to the next level. He was outstanding and ran for 80 minutes.”
Leffel's tireless contribution has been matched by that of new Wales captain Dafydd Jenkins, who is growing into the role, while winger Dyer is developing into an international-class winger.
Wynnett, a 21-year-old full-back, ensured his return in just his second international appearance and 17th professional game, making a try-saving tackle on Elliot Daly.
Cardiff teammate Mann, 22, made just 11 appearances in the top flight before making his debut for Wales against Scotland. Since making his first Test start, he has now scored two tries in two games.
Mann was typical of the awkward Welsh approach that had long frustrated England, but was unable to stop a rampaging Earl's cross for a try.
At the other end of the spectrum of experience is 31-year-old George North, who has joined the Welsh exclusive club having appeared in this tournament 50 times. He joins Stephen Jones, Gethin Jenkins, Alun Wyn Jones and Martin Williams.
In his 119th match for Wales, North produced powerful bursts in short succession and proved to be Gatland's most effective ball carrier.
Your next trip to Dublin requires patience
With all the positivity, Gatland asked for patience from the Welsh people He will need it after England's defeat.
Wales have won just once in three of their previous four Six Nations competitions, but Wayne Pivac's 2021 title win was an exception.
They will be looking for their first win this time around, but Wales' next game in Dublin on February 24 is not an ideal place to end their losing streak.
As with their experience at Twickenham, Wales have not won at the Aviva Stadium in this competition since 2012, and Ireland could be far more difficult than Scotland or England.
If victory doesn't come against the defending champions, and even the most ardent Wales fans won't be expecting a win in Ireland, it will be the last home game in December 2020, France This will need to happen in the two matches against Italy and Italy. 6 days in March.
Gatland is adamant Wales will be a good team in the future. Even now, their resolve will continue to be severely tested.
Short-term pain creates long-term gain. It has become the watchword of Welsh rugby.
