The 2026 World Cup playoffs did not disappoint if you were watching on as a neutral, as all the games were filled to the brim with entertaining talking points.
However, if you have allegiances to the Republic of Ireland, Northern Ireland or Wales, you would have been left with the sour feeling of 'what could have been' as all three home nations stumbled to defeat.
Heartbreakingly, both the Republic of Ireland and Wales crashed out on penalties to the Czech Republic and Bosnia and Herzegovina respectively, while Northern Ireland were comfortably beaten by Italy 2-0.
Unfortunately, a large Saints contingent had to experience these demoralising losses, with Finn Azaz and Ryan Manning both at the heart of that loss to Czechia, as a two-goal lead was grimly surrendered.
Moreover, Shea Charles didn't have a long-range bullet, like his memorable goal against Oxford United, up his sleeve for Michael O'Neill's nation. Instead, he was humbled by the sheer class of the Italians.
The penalty shootout loss for the Republic of Ireland further saw Azaz step up and miss one of the vital spot-kicks, with this moment in the spotlight hopefully not playing heavy on his mind, as he now returns to the bread and butter of Championship action.
Hopefully, all these Southampton players who have struggled with their respective nations return back to the nitty gritty of club football, with more of a fuel to succeed, and return to the Premier League, so they don't experience any more gutting heartbreak.
How all this international heartbreak can spur Saints to promotion
At this point in the unpredictable second tier season, Southampton do look to be made of extremely stern stuff.
Therefore, after pushing this all international disappointment to one side, the likes of Azaz, Charles and Manning should be able to just slot straight back into the rhythm of Championship action comfortably.
Azaz isn't quite the finished article for his nation, yet, with only one goal from 13 caps, but he has ten goals next to his name at St. Mary's this season, as a crucial part of the first-team jigsaw.
Wrexham might well be on the receiving end of Azaz taking his international demons out on the Red Dragons, with Manning also up to six goals and four assists for the campaign, as another key first team figure under Tonda Eckert.
He was error-strewn against the Czech Republic, on the other hand, which led to him being substituted off, with the Galway-born defender far more assured for his domestic side, than being shoved into the first team picture for his nation.
Charles did shine in the contest versus Italy, in all fairness, with two key passes amassed and six duels won, but he never looked like beating the Azzuri goalkeeper with a long-range strike, as he went about his business competently.
For Southampton, he has a moment of magic up his sleeve at all times, with the trio a real joy to watch in the Championship at their very best.
They will be champing at the bit even more to secure promotion, after experiencing an ego-crushing break, with Premier League football on the menu, surely making up for a lack of World Cup action.