But Wales emerged with huge credit and crossed for four tries against one of the best teams in the world at U20s level.
This may have been a second defeat of the tournament, but this game was played late in the evening due to the heat out in Italy and with the mandatory water breaks every 20 minutes for both sides.
Flanker Lucy Isaac and props Masie Davies and Cadi-Lois Davies, and hooker Molly Wakely all crossed for Wales tries against the old enemy.
Wales never allowed England to settle and find their rhythm.
Fly half Hanna Marshall impressed yet again, and one superb solo break from just inside England’s half saw her tackled into touch just before the tryline.
Liza Burgess, the Wales WU20s Head coach, has stated before the tournament that it was an opportunity to blood expose as many players as possible to the standard of rugby in the Six Nations.
The Welsh rugby legend stuck to her principles after the opening defeat to France and made ten changes to the starting line-up to face England.
Wales’ aggressive and physical defence against an England side rated as the one of the best sides at this level stunned and frustrated the old enemy in the opening exchanges.
Flanker Isaac gave Wales an early lead with the first try of the game and her second of the tournament after she drove over from short-range for the score to stun England. Full back Metcalfe added the extras to make it 7-0 to Wales.
Lock Robyn Davies typified Wales’ defensive effort with a superb rip and steal from an England lineout near the Welsh line. A big hit by prop Maisie Davies stopped an English attack in it tracks midway through the half.
England then crossed for three quick tries towards the end of the first half aided by some slack Welsh defending to make it 29-7 at half-time.
After the break, England crossed for a try before impressive prop Masie Davies crashed over from short-range for Wales’ second try to make it 34-12.
Cadi Lois Davies then crossed for Wales third try after a period of pressure with an impressive pick and go phase play to make it 34-17 midway through the second half.
England replied with a try before a superb driving lineout saw hooker Wakely cross for Wales’ fourth try. Metcalfe added the conversion.
Wales play the hosts Italy in their third and final game on Sunday, July 14th, kick-off 5:30pm
