England fans were put through the wringer again on Saturday night as Thomas Tuchel's Three Lions nervously got over the line to pick up a 2-1 victory over Norway.
On another night, the tricky Norwegians might have come away from the game in Miami with a win, and clinched a shock place in the World Cup semi-finals.
But, England's perseverance shone through, just as it did in the last two rounds versus Mexico and DR Congo.
We are very nearly at the end of the relentless tournament, and with Southampton players back in pre-season training, it won't be long, either, until the drama of the Championship returns.
The Saints personnel next season should take some inspiration from Djed Spence, who put in a warrior-like performance towards the back half of the nail-biting 2-1 win for his country, with Spence no stranger to second tier promotion battles, away from starring for the Three Lions.
Spence's formative time in the Championship
Spence is known now as being a semi-regular part of the first team at Tottenham Hotspur, and a defender Tuchel can rely on in pressurised moments, but back in 2018, he had to drop to the Championship with Middlesbrough after leaving the Fulham academy.
He was a success in spurts on Teesside, with two goals coming his way from 70 first-team appearances, but it would be a move to Nottingham Forest - one of Boro's second tier rivals - that would catapult him to stardom.
Indeed, Spence would be only be situated at the City Ground for one season on loan, but he made quite the impression as a gallivanting full-back figure, with three goals and five assists heading his way.
He hasn't quite been able to show off this same directness on the international stage, but he has proven to be useful impact sub that Tuchel can throw into tense games, all the same, to add energy and vigour to an England side with a depleted tank.
Everpresent throughout the 2021/22 season under Steve Cooper, promotion would even be won at the end of it all, with Spence noted as being a "revelation" and an "huge part" of the promotion journey by the Welshman.
These standout performances would result in Spence winning himself a move to Tottenham Hotspur, and he has since pushed himself into the England World Cup plans.
The 12-time England international has the Championship to thank for the sudden upward trajectory his career has taken, with Tonda Eckert's camp perhaps inspired to follow in his footsteps this coming season.
Southampton players should feel inspired
After all, it is going to take a big team effort - just like England required against Norway - to ensure Southampton is back in the promotion reckoning this forthcoming season, with a four point deduction an immediate hurdle to overcome.
But, with the feel-good mood clear for all to see, with both Daniel Peretz and Cyle Larin re-signing, they shouldn't let this setback get to them too much.
Moreover, last season, before Spygate stopped them in their tracks, a full team effort propelled them into the playoff picture, with Ryan Manning chipping in with goals and assists aplenty from the full back position, like Spence, away from the usual creative suspects.
If all goes to plan, Eckert's group will be plying their trade in the Premier League when May comes around next year, with Spence's story a tale of determination and hard work paying off, as he was once a Championship player, who is now linking arms with the very best in world football.
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