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Golden sun, savory pies and iconic stadiums - what more could an Three Lions follower desire?

Ideally, they'd want an contest for the urn in Australia where they retain a possibility to secure the famous trophy following the initial matches.

Unfortunately, this scenario is off the table this time, though, after a comprehensive triumph in Adelaide put the hosts leading three-nil for the fourth successive Ashes series on their own soil.

The Barmy Army, the organized fan base, have thousands of supporters traveling for the concluding fixtures in the SCG and MCG.

In addition, there are travel parties who will spend the Christmas period down under, as well as relatives and companions planning a dream holiday.

The Ryding Siblings

A group of four supporters are four such fans.

The group had their travel arrangements and match passes secured for the Boxing Day and New Year Tests "well ahead of time", dreaming of a historic English victory.

From afar, they've seen Australia dismantle the tourists in just 11 days from their residence in the north of England.

"Everyone at work has been making comments about it being over for the last two weeks," stated Sam Ryding.

"The hope was that we would have something to play for still when we got there."

Fading Positivity

Optimism was high regarding the team's prospects of ending their 15-year wait for a triumph on Australian soil ahead of the tour.

But they are now looking at the possibility of prolonging a streak without victory in the country to 19 games when the Boxing Day Test begins in the MCG on Christmas Day.

Ben Stokes' side - and their fans - will be desperate to avoid a whitewash.

Alex said the "entertainment" of head coach the aggressive 'Bazball' approach in recent times had "brought fresh energy to" the five-day game for followers of the team.

However, the group said they had realistic outlooks for the final two games - and all they are asking for from the players is "a bit of fight".

"Commentators consistently alludes to it, but it all hinges on mental resilience. 'The aggressive approach has been elevated to a term now that is just, like, nonsense cricket," added Rory.

"In a five-day Test match, you should dig in. Playing at deliveries 'wide of off stump has not been part of the fundamentals, and that is largely because of the frontline batsmen."

The Remaining Matches

Asked whether he believed England will win a match in the current series, one fan responded: "The evidence suggests the Aussies are just too good at the moment."

"Necessarily, there must be multiple performers that delivers for the team and turns the game."

Despite the scoreline, the group remains excited about the trip.

"We will have a great time regardless," added another sibling. "Our approach is that attitude."

"Obviously it is a let-down we can't contest the series, but we have spent so much money already."

"We plan to savor having Christmas and New Year in Australia. It is also mine and Rory's first time traveling at this time of year."

An educator, Katie is intent on maximizing the 21,000-mile round-trip as part of her time off.

"Should the cricket disappoint, I can play golf to fall back on," she finished.