'Everyone's giving me grief' over the Ashes being over ahead of my trip.

Beautiful weather, classic snacks and legendary venues - what else would an Three Lions follower possibly want?

Well, perhaps an contest for the urn 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 the hosts' dominant victory by 82 runs in Adelaide left the home side leading three-nil for the fourth consecutive series on home turf.

England's famous supporters' group, the organized fan base, have 3,000 fans traveling for the last two matches in the SCG and MCG.

In addition, there are travel parties who will celebrate the holidays in Australia, as well as families and friends embarking on a special expedition.

The Disappointed Travelers

The Ryding siblings are a prime example.

The group had their itineraries and entry credentials secured for the fourth and fifth Tests "12 months ago", dreaming of a long-awaited triumph.

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

"All my colleagues has been teasing me that the series is done for the last two weeks," stated Sam Ryding.

"Our expectation had been that we would have something to play for still when we got there."

Diminishing Hope

Hope was abundant about England's chances of securing a first win in 15 years for a victory down under prior to the first ball.

Yet now they are staring down the barrel of extending their winless run in the country to 19 games when the next match starts in Melbourne on Thursday, 25 December.

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

Alex said the "entertainment" of head coach Brendon McCullum's 'Bazball' in the past couple of seasons had "reinvigorated" the longest format for English supporters.

Yet the fans said they had low expectations for the remaining matches - and all they are hoping for from the players is "a bit of fight".

"Every pundit alludes to it, but it all hinges on fortitude. 'This style has been become a phrase now that is just, like, impractical batting," added Rory.

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

Future Prospects

When questioned if he believed England will secure a victory in this Ashes series, came the reply: "It appears the Aussies are just too good right now."

"There is going to have to be several individuals that makes a significant contribution and turns the game."

Regardless of the result, the group remains anticipating the trip.

"We are going to have a wonderful trip regardless," commented Katie Ryding. "We must adopt that mindset."

"Naturally, it's unfortunate we aren't fighting for more, but we have made a substantial financial commitment as it is."

"We plan to savor celebrating the holidays out there. This will be our first experience away from home over Christmas."

An educator, Katie is intent on maximizing the long-haul travel as part of her seasonal break.

"If all else fails, there's always golf to turn to," she finished.