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Golden sun, savory pies and iconic stadiums - what else would an Three Lions follower possibly want?

Well, perhaps an Ashes series in Australia where they still have a chance to reclaim the urn following the initial matches.

That will not be happening this time, though, after the hosts' dominant triumph in Adelaide left the home side with a 3-0 lead for the fourth successive Ashes series on home turf.

The loyal traveling fans, England's supporters' group, have thousands of supporters flying out for the last two matches in Sydney and Melbourne.

Furthermore, other tour groups who will spend the Christmas period in Australia, as well as relatives and companions heading for a once-in-a-lifetime trip.

Fans with Booked Tickets

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

Alex, Sam, Rory and Katie had their flights and tickets arranged for the Boxing Day and New Year Tests "12 months ago", hoping to witness a rare England series success.

From afar, they've seen Australia defeat England convincingly in just a short period from their house in the north of England.

"Everyone at work has been giving me grief that the series is done for the last two weeks," said Sam.

"We always thought that we would have a meaningful contest by the time we arrived."

Diminishing Hope

Optimism was high about England's chances of ending their 15-year wait for a series win in Australia prior to the first ball.

However, the situation is now staring down the barrel of prolonging a streak without victory in the country to 19 consecutive Tests when the Boxing Day Test begins in the MCG on Christmas Day.

The England team - and their fans - will be desperate to avoid a whitewash.

Alex said the "entertainment" of head coach Brendon McCullum's 'Bazball' in recent times had "reinvigorated" the five-day game for English supporters.

But the Ryding siblings said they had realistic outlooks for the final two games - and all they are hoping for from the players is "a bit of fight".

"Commentators consistently points it out, but it all comes down to fortitude. 'The aggressive approach has been turned into a buzzword now that is just, like, nonsense cricket," added Rory.

"In a five-day Test match, you should hunker down. Playing at deliveries 'outside the line has never been in the textbooks, and that is largely because of the frontline batsmen."

Looking Ahead

Prompted about he believed England will triumph in a Test in this contest, Sam said: "The evidence suggests the hosts are a stronger side currently."

"It will require multiple performers that stands up for England and produces a match-winning display."

Despite the scoreline, the siblings are still excited about the trip.

"We will have a fantastic experience nonetheless," commented Katie Ryding. "We must adopt that outlook."

"Obviously it is a let-down we don't have more to play for, but we have spent so much money as it is."

"We plan to savor spending the festive season in Australia. It is also our first experience traveling during the festive period."

A schoolteacher, Katie is determined to make the most of the lengthy journey as part of her Christmas holidays.

"If all else fails, I've got golf to fall back on," she added.