Successive defeats at Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth ensured England's hold on the Ashes lasted only 463 days and they now face battle with an Australian side intent on completing a whitewash for the first time since 1920-21.
But as determined as England are in avoiding the humiliation of a 5-0 series defeat, they are also aiming to use the Tests in Melbourne and Sydney as a chance to re-group and focus again for the 2009 series on home soil.
"We've got a lot to play for in these last two games," said Durham all-rounder Collingwood, who has been one of the few successes during the series with an average of 69.
Preparation
"They are important and we'll be trying our hardest to go out there, play well and try and beat them - it's as simple as that.
"We've got another two years before we play these guys again and the preparation for that starts now."
Meanwhile, Shane Warne's mastery of timing looks certain to result in him announcing his retirement from Test cricket just three days after claiming the wicket which won the Ashes.
Reports began surfacing yesterday that Warne - with 699 wickets from 143 Tests - will bow out from international cricket following the final Ashes Test in Sydney.
"The guy is literally a legend," admitted Collingwood.
"That's probably an over-used term but in cricketing terms he is the ultimate legend - he's probably the best bowler there has ever been on this planet." Tweet
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It would seem that the inane rhetoric that spouts from the mouths of Football personalities has now entered the cricket world. They should have been more focussed from day 1 of this tour (!!) and have let down the Barmy Army and fans at home, very badly. The Aussies are an excellent side but I do not think they are "so much" better than us. It is in application and determination where they are so superior. I will admit that Mr Collingwood has performed better than I thought he would as a test match regular, but my expectation was not very high. They should all now salvage what they can from this tour and return home for a thorough rethink of abilities, tactics, coaching and application.