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

Well, perhaps an Ashes series in Australia where they remain in contention to secure the famous trophy once the opening games are done.

Unfortunately, this scenario is off the table this time, though, after the hosts' dominant triumph in Adelaide put the hosts with a 3-0 lead for the fourth consecutive series on their own soil.

The loyal traveling fans, England's supporters' group, have thousands of supporters traveling for the last two matches in the SCG and MCG.

Furthermore, other travel parties who will spend the Christmas period in Australia, as well as relatives and companions planning a dream holiday.

The Ryding Siblings

Four fans named Alex, Sam, Rory and Katie are a prime example.

The four siblings had their flights and tickets booked for the Boxing Day and New Year Tests "a full year in advance", dreaming of a long-awaited triumph.

Instead, they have watched Australia dismantle the tourists in just under two weeks from their family home in their hometown.

"People in the office has been teasing me about it being over for the last two weeks," said Sam.

"Our expectation had been that we would have something to play for by the time we arrived."

Diminishing Hope

There was plenty of positivity regarding the team's prospects of breaking a 15-year drought for a triumph on Australian soil before it began.

However, the situation is now staring down the barrel of prolonging a streak without victory in the country to 19 consecutive Tests when the fourth Test gets under way in Melbourne on Thursday, 25 December.

Ben Stokes' side - and their followers - will be keen to prevent a dreaded 5-0 scoreline.

Alex said the "thrill and enjoyment" of head coach the positive style of play in the past couple of seasons had "brought fresh energy to" the longest format for English supporters.

But the Ryding siblings said they had low expectations for the remaining matches - and all they are requesting from the players is "a bit of fight".

"Every pundit references this, but it all hinges on fortitude. 'The aggressive approach has been elevated to a term now that is just, like, impractical batting," added Rory.

"Over the course of five days, you should hunker down. Chasing balls 'outside the line has not been part of the textbooks, and that is mainly the fault the batting lineup."

The Remaining Matches

Prompted about he believed England will secure a victory in this Ashes series, came the reply: "The evidence suggests the Australians are superior currently."

"It will require multiple performers that stands up for England and makes a big impact."

Despite the scoreline, the group remains anticipating the trip.

"It will be a wonderful trip nonetheless," added another sibling. "We must adopt that mindset."

"Of course, it's a let-down we aren't fighting for more, but we have made a substantial financial commitment by now."

"We will make the most of celebrating the holidays out there. This will be mine and Rory's first time abroad over Christmas."

A schoolteacher, Katie is intent on maximizing the 21,000-mile round-trip as part of her Christmas holidays.

"As a backup plan, I've got golf to fall back on," she added.