England great Andrew Flintoff is leading the Lions into a series in Australia this month knowing his team will have an impact in the highly anticipated Ashes series.
Flintoff is the head coach of the England A team which will provide the key warm-up game for the full England squad in a three-day match at Perth's Lilac Hill.
A key member of the unforgettable 2005 Ashes series victory, Flintoff's only tour of Australia for the battle of the urn came in 2006-07, when he captained England to a dreadful 5-0 series thrashing.
But he is mentoring a Lions side with a sprinkling of Test experience and knows they have a huge opportunity ahead of them.
MORE: Aussie star Steve Smith recalls '10 beers' Ashes moment against England
"I must admit, when I went and it didn't go well, it was a bit of a shock," Flintoff told ESPNcricinfo.
"It was completely different to anything.
"But these lads are going to experience all these things and they're going to have the opportunity to practice with the England lads.
"Me included, I'm going to have a good day at the Ashes and watch England play. It's all good."
After the three-day game against England starting on November 13, the Lions face a Cricket Australia XI on November 21, the same day the first Ashes Test begins at Optus Stadium.
They then conclude the tour with a clash with Australia A in Brisbane commencing December 5.
Flintoff believes it's a huge chance to demonstrate what the Lions players are capable of and could even lead to an opportunity in the Test series.
"I think it's exciting all round," he said. "A couple of injuries and there might be opportunities.
"Even for everyone, going to Australia for an Ashes year?
"All right, you're not at the same venues, but you're going to be in and around Perth for the first Test. In Brisbane for the second.
"You're going to experience the atmosphere being in Australia, all the hype around it."