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

Ideally, they'd want an Ashes series in Australia where they retain a possibility to reclaim the urn after the first three Tests.

This is not the case during this tour, after a comprehensive victory by 82 runs in Adelaide gave Australia with a 3-0 lead for the fourth successive Ashes series on their own soil.

The Barmy Army, England's supporters' group, have 3,000 fans traveling for the last two matches in New South Wales and Victoria.

Furthermore, other tour groups who will be vacationing overseas, as well as relatives and companions heading for a dream holiday.

The Disappointed Travelers

Four fans named Alex, Sam, Rory and Katie are four such fans.

Alex, Sam, Rory and Katie had their itineraries and entry credentials secured for the Boxing Day and New Year Tests "well ahead of time", anticipating a historic English victory.

Instead, they have watched Australia defeat England convincingly in just 11 days from their house in the north of England.

"All my colleagues has been teasing me regarding the concluded contest for the last two weeks," commented one sibling.

"The hope was that we would have a meaningful contest by the time we arrived."

Lowered Expectations

Optimism was high concerning a potential victory of securing a first win in 15 years for a victory down under ahead of the tour.

Yet now they are looking at the possibility of continuing a barren spell in the country to 19 games when the fourth Test gets under way in the MCG on Christmas Day.

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

One sibling noted the "thrill and enjoyment" of head coach Brendon McCullum's 'Bazball' in recent years had "brought fresh energy to" the five-day game for followers of the team.

Yet the fans said they had minimal hopes for the final two games - and all they are asking for from the players is "some resilience".

"Every pundit references this, but it all comes down to fortitude. 'This style has been elevated to a term now that is just, like, impractical batting," stated Rory Ryding.

"Over the course of five days, you should hunker down. Wafting outside 'wide of off stump has never been in the fundamentals, and that is primarily due to the frontline batsmen."

Looking Ahead

Prompted about he believed England will win a match in this Ashes series, came the reply: "The evidence suggests the hosts are a stronger side right now."

"It will require multiple performers that delivers for the team and produces a match-winning display."

Even with the series lost, the group remains anticipating the trip.

"We are going to have a great time nonetheless," added another sibling. "We must adopt that mindset."

"Naturally, it's disappointing we don't have more to play for, but we have spent so much money by now."

"We will make the most of having Christmas and New Year out there. Additionally, it's a new experience for us away from home during the festive period."

A schoolteacher, Katie is focused on enjoying the lengthy journey as part of her seasonal break.

"If all else fails, there's always golf to rely on," she added.