An eye fracture and a baby daughter - Lees' unusual Ashes

Matty Lees has visible scarring around his left eye, having needed emergency surgery before the first Ashes Test

When it comes to putting blood, sweat and tears into the Rugby League Ashes, Matty Lees has taken it more literally than most.

The England prop was caught by St Helens team-mate Alex Walmsley in the very first training session before the opening Test against Australia at Wembley. And what was initially thought to be a cut proved far more significant.

The 27-year-old had suffered a fractured eye socket and needed emergency surgery with a metal plate installed in his face.

Nevertheless, Lees started the first two Tests and is likely to feature when the first Ashes series since 2003 concludes on Saturday at AMT Headingley with the third contest, which kicks off at 14:30 GMT and is live on BBC One.

"It's good - I've just tried to forget about it to be honest," he said when asked by BBC Sport for an injury update at England's training session on Wednesday. "I was happy to get the surgery done and that it didn't end my season."

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, 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."

'Surely it won't happen when a game has kicked off...'

Lees has started both Test matches so far in the series between England and Australia

This series has come during a whirlwind period for Lees, who won't forget his last match at Headingley in a hurry - because it was the night he became a father for the first time.

His wife Beth gave birth to daughter Sienna at the end of September, with Lees having to leave St Helens' Super League play-off match against Leeds at half-time in order to make a dash to the hospital.

"Having a little one recently changes perspective - it's not just about me any more," Lees said.

"I only just made it. She was born just after midnight. It was a stressful drive from Leeds.

"It has been tough for Beth while I have been in camp. She has been in the trenches with the little one. Every chance I get I nip back home. I'm looking forward to the off season."

Lees' race to hospital meant he was long gone from Headingley by the time St Helens produced a remarkable finish to the play-off match - scoring with the last play, after the hooter, to win 16-14.

He and his wife had agreed he should go to the game despite her being a week overdue - only to get some major news as soon as the team arrived in Yorkshire.

"I remember saying to my wife, surely it won't happen when a game has kicked off," Lees said of Sienna's birth. "She said she felt all right, so I left for the game, then she messaged me saying she was nipping to hospital for a check-up.

"Then I got a message just as we got to Leeds' ground saying they were keeping her in.

"My mindset was playing the game and dealing with whatever happened after. The staff knew what was going on and I felt fine.

"Then I played 30-odd minutes, and Wello [former St Helens coach Paul Wellens] was at the front. He told me things had taken a turn and if I didn't leave now, I'd miss the birth.

"He was happy for me to go. It was a difficult position, but family comes first."