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

Realistically, they'd hope for an contest for the urn in Australia where they still have a chance to win back the Ashes after the first three Tests.

That will not be happening on this occasion, however, after Australia's crushing triumph in Adelaide gave Australia leading three-nil for the fourth successive Ashes series on their own soil.

The loyal traveling fans, the vocal contingent, have 3,000 fans flying out for the last two matches in Sydney and Melbourne.

In addition, there are organized trips who will celebrate the holidays in Australia, as well as relatives and companions planning a special expedition.

Fans with Booked Tickets

The Ryding siblings are four such fans.

Alex, Sam, Rory and Katie had their flights and tickets arranged for the Melbourne and Sydney matches "12 months ago", hoping to witness a rare England series success.

Sadly, they've observed Australia defeat England convincingly in just a short period from their residence in the north of England.

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

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

Diminishing Hope

There was plenty of positivity about England's chances of securing a first win in 15 years for a series win in Australia before it began.

Yet now they are looking at the possibility of extending their winless run in the country to 19 matches when the Boxing Day Test begins in the MCG on Christmas Day.

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 recent times had "reinvigorated" the five-day game for followers of the team.

However, the group said they had minimal hopes for the remaining matches - and all they are asking for from the players is "a show of spirit".

"All analysts points it out, but it all comes down to fortitude. 'The aggressive approach has been elevated to a term now that is just, like, impractical batting," added Rory.

"During a long match, you should dig in. Playing at deliveries 'sixth stump' areas has not been part of the textbooks, and that is mainly the fault the batting lineup."

Future Prospects

Asked whether he believed England will triumph in a Test in this Ashes series, one fan responded: "It looks like the Aussies are just too good currently."

"There is going to have to be more than one player that stands up for England and produces a match-winning display."

Despite the scoreline, the fans are looking forward to the trip.

"It will be a wonderful trip anyway," said Katie. "We must adopt that outlook."

"Naturally, it's disappointing we don't have more to play for, but we have made a substantial financial commitment by now."

"We plan to savor celebrating the holidays out there. Additionally, it's a new experience for us away from home during the festive period."

An educator, Katie is determined to make the most of the long-haul travel as part of her time off.

"If all else fails, I've got golf to rely on," Katie concluded.