There was hardly a spare seat in the house at Wembley last Sunday. There rarely is.

A crowd of 86,152 flocked to London’s iconic stadium for the NFL clash between the Los Angeles Rams and Jacksonville Jaguars – among them the Australian rugby league squad, soaking up the atmosphere before they get to strut their stuff on the same hallowed turf this weekend.

A similarly healthy turnout is expected for the Kangaroos’ first Test against England since 2017, judging by early ticket sales.

English media reported on the weekend that almost 55,000 fans have already booked their seats, a number that would appear certain to swell considerably in the countdown to the first full Ashes series in 22 years.

It remains to be seen if Wembley’s capacity of 90,000 will be challenged, but the Kangaroos can nonetheless expect a hostile reception from a passionate, parochial fanbase baying for a home victory.

For the Australian players, it shapes as a once-in-a-career highlight. The Kangaroos have played just 11 times at Wembley in the past 95 years – nine times at the original stadium and twice at its replacement, which opened in 2007.

A crowd of 86,152........

© The Sydney Morning Herald