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

Well, perhaps an Ashes series in Australia where they still have a chance to secure the famous trophy once the opening games are done.

That will not be happening on this occasion, however, after a comprehensive 82-run win 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 making the journey for the concluding fixtures in the SCG and MCG.

In addition, there are travel parties who will celebrate the holidays overseas, as well as relatives and companions planning a special expedition.

Fans with Booked Tickets

A group of four supporters are among those affected.

Alex, Sam, Rory and Katie had their travel arrangements and match passes arranged for the Melbourne and Sydney matches "a full year in advance", dreaming of a historic English victory.

Instead, they have watched Australia dismantle the tourists in just under two weeks from their residence in the north of England.

"People in the office has been making comments that the series is done for the last two weeks," stated Sam Ryding.

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

Lowered Expectations

There was plenty of positivity about England's chances of breaking a 15-year drought for a triumph on Australian soil before it began.

However, the situation is now looking at the possibility of extending their winless run in the country to 19 games 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 clean sweep.

Alex said the "entertainment" of head coach Brendon McCullum's 'Bazball' in recent years had "reinvigorated" the longest format for followers of the team.

Yet the fans said they had minimal hopes for the remaining matches - and all they are hoping for from the players is "a show of spirit".

"All analysts references this, but it all hinges on psychological strength. 'This style has been elevated to a term now that is just, like, nonsense cricket," added Rory.

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

Looking Ahead

Asked whether he believed England will win a match in this Ashes series, one fan responded: "It looks like the hosts are a stronger side at the moment."

"There is going to have to be multiple performers that stands up for England and produces a match-winning display."

Even with the series lost, the group remains excited about the trip.

"We will have a great time nonetheless," added another sibling. "We must adopt that attitude."

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

"We'll enjoy celebrating the holidays overseas. This will be our first experience abroad over Christmas."

An educator, Katie is intent on maximizing the lengthy journey as part of her seasonal break.

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