England coach Andy Flower admitted mixed feelings about some of his side's key Ashes personnel, saying he fully supported captain Alastair Cook but felt spinner Graeme Swann should not have left the tour.
Cook has averaged just 29 in eight Test innings this tour, has been criticised for his bowling changes and also dropped two catches on Sunday's fourth day of the Melbourne Test.
But Flower remained in his corner.
"Alastair Cook has captained six Test series for England and this is the first series loss that he's had," Flower said on Monday.
"We are all responsible for this result, the management staff as well as the players.
"We don't want people to accept losses too easily. But equally sometimes you have to accept the fact you've been outplayed.
"I don't believe we should be totally distraught about where we are.
"Now we're faced with one chance in Sydney to redeem ourselves to a small extent."
While initially complimentary of Swann, who shocked the cricket world with his retirement after England lost the Ashes with their defeat in the third Test in Perth earlier this month, Flower said he should've hung around.
"Graeme Swann has done an outstanding job for England over the last six or so years," Flower said.
"He's the sixth-highest Test wicket-taker in English history.
"To do that over 60 Test matches is a great effort, and he's been a huge part of our success over the last few years.
"In saying that, I would have liked him to have seen the tour out."
As for himself Flower said he wanted to continue contributing to English cricket and will meet with his boss later this week to discuss his future.
"Certainly I examine my role in the tour. I ask myself tough questions," he said.
"Paul Downton, the new managing director, has arrived in Australia and I'll be meeting with him in Sydney.
"We'll talk about the leadership of the national team with regards to the coaching position.
"I'm very motivated to contribute to English cricket and that's what I'm going to do."
Flower said he expected England to make one or perhaps two changes for Sydney.
Left-arm spinner Monty Panesar's one-wicket performance in the fourth Test which ended in Melbourne on Sunday leaves England with a concern over their bowling attack, with uncapped 23-year-old leggie Scott Borthwick under consideration for Sydney.
Wicketkeeper/batsman Jonny Bairstow may also be facing the axe with Flower hardly suggesting he'd be at the SCG.
"I hope when he gets another chance he'll do outstandingly well," Flower said.
