'People keep ribbing me' about the series finishing prior to my arrival.
Golden sun, savory pies and iconic stadiums - what else would an Three Lions follower desire?
Realistically, they'd hope for an contest for the urn in Australia where they still have a chance to win back the Ashes once the opening games are done.
Unfortunately, this scenario is off the table during this tour, after a comprehensive triumph in Adelaide put the hosts leading three-nil for the fourth consecutive series on home turf.
England's famous supporters' group, England's supporters' group, have a large group making the journey for the final two Tests in the SCG and MCG.
There are also organized trips who will spend the Christmas period overseas, as well as families and friends heading for a special expedition.
The Ryding Siblings
A group of four supporters are four such fans.
The group had their travel arrangements and match passes booked for the Boxing Day and New Year Tests "a full year in advance", dreaming of a historic English victory.
Instead, they have watched Australia outplay the visitors in just a short period from their house in their hometown.
"People in the office has been teasing me about it being over for the last two weeks," stated Sam Ryding.
"We always thought that we would have something to play for by the time we arrived."
Fading Positivity
Optimism was high regarding the team's prospects of breaking a 15-year drought for a series win in Australia prior to the first ball.
Yet now they are staring down the barrel of extending their winless run in the country to 19 matches when the next match starts in the MCG on Christmas Day.
The tourists - and their supporters - will be hoping to sidestep a whitewash.
Alex said the "excitement and fun" of head coach the positive style of play in recent times had "brought fresh energy to" the five-day game for England fans.
But the Ryding siblings said they had minimal hopes for the remaining matches - and all they are requesting from the players is "a show of spirit".
"Every pundit references this, but it all hinges on fortitude. 'The aggressive approach has been turned into a buzzword now that is just, like, nonsense cricket," commented another sibling.
"Over the course of five days, you should dig in. Chasing balls 'sixth stump' areas has not been part of the coaching manuals, and that is primarily due to the frontline batsmen."
Future Prospects
Prompted about he believed England will triumph in a Test in this contest, came the reply: "The evidence suggests the Aussies are just too good currently."
"It will require multiple performers that makes a significant contribution and makes a big impact."
Even with the series lost, the group remains anticipating the trip.
"We will have a wonderful trip nonetheless," commented Katie Ryding. "Our approach is that mindset."
"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 having Christmas and New Year in Australia. It is also a new experience for us abroad over Christmas."
A teacher, Katie is intent on maximizing the long-haul travel as part of her Christmas holidays.
"Should the cricket disappoint, I've got golf to rely on," she finished.