'People keep ribbing me' about the series concluding before I get there.
Golden sun, savory pies and iconic stadiums - what else would an Three Lions follower ask for?
Ideally, they'd want an contest for the urn in Australia where they remain in contention to win back the Ashes after the first three Tests.
That will not be happening this time, though, after Australia's crushing triumph in Adelaide gave Australia 3-0 up for the fourth successive Ashes series on Australian grounds.
England's famous supporters' group, the vocal contingent, have a large group traveling for the final two Tests in Sydney and Melbourne.
There are also organized trips who will spend the Christmas period in Australia, as well as loved ones embarking on a special expedition.
Fans with Booked Tickets
The Ryding siblings are a prime example.
Alex, Sam, Rory and Katie had their travel arrangements and match passes booked for the Melbourne and Sydney matches "well ahead of time", anticipating a historic English victory.
From afar, they've seen Australia defeat England convincingly in just under two weeks from their family home in the north of England.
"Everyone at work has been teasing me regarding the concluded contest for the last two weeks," stated Sam Ryding.
"We always thought that we would have something to play for upon our arrival."
Fading Positivity
There was plenty of positivity regarding the team's prospects of securing a first win in 15 years for a triumph on Australian soil prior to the first ball.
But they are now looking at the possibility of extending their winless run in the country to 19 consecutive Tests when the Boxing Day Test begins in the MCG on Christmas Day.
Ben Stokes' side - and their supporters - will be desperate to avoid a whitewash.
Alex said the "thrill and enjoyment" of head coach the positive style of play in recent years had "brought fresh energy to" the longest format for English supporters.
But the Ryding siblings said they had minimal hopes for the remaining matches - and all they are hoping for from the players is "a show of spirit".
"Commentators consistently alludes to it, but it all is about fortitude. 'This style has been elevated to a term now that is just, like, impractical batting," added Rory.
"Over the course of five days, you should hunker down. Chasing balls 'outside the line has never featured in the textbooks, and that is mainly the fault the frontline batsmen."
Future Prospects
Asked whether he believed England will triumph in a Test in this Ashes series, one fan responded: "The evidence suggests the Aussies are just too good currently."
"It will require more than one player that delivers for the team and produces a match-winning display."
Even with the series lost, the fans are excited about the trip.
"It will be a fantastic experience nonetheless," said Katie. "Our approach is that mindset."
"Obviously it is disappointing we can't contest the series, but we have spent so much money as it is."
"We will make the most of celebrating the holidays in Australia. This will be a new experience for us traveling during the festive period."
An educator, Katie is intent on maximizing the 21,000-mile round-trip as part of her time off.
"As a backup plan, there's always golf to turn to," she finished.