THE United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland were confirmed as hosts of the 2028 European Championships on Tuesday.

With many young international players in the current Saints squad, just how many of those could feature at the 24-team tournament?

Reportedly England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, and the Republic of Ireland will all enter into qualifying for the tournament so it is not certain that all home nations will qualify.

But let's assume all five nations will be at the tournament because there is also the possibility that two home nations that fail to qualify could also make it in under UEFA guidelines.

Here are five Saints players who we think could be there...

Taylor Harwood-Bellis (England)

Age at Euro 2028: 26

The England under-21 captain has already lifted an international trophy at the European Championships earlier this summer and will be hoping to be part of the senior squad in 2028.

Current senior centre-backs Harry Maguire, John Stones, and Lewis Dunk will be well over 30 years old by the time the home tournament comes around.

If Harwood-Bellis fulfils his potential, there is every chance he will make the step up.

Daily Echo:

Gavin Bazunu (Republic of Ireland)

Age at Euro 2028: 26

The young goalkeeper has already played 18 times for his country to firmly establish himself as Republic of Ireland's number one.

Bazunu is probably the most likely out of any current Saints player to play at Euro 2028 if his country qualify, of course.

He famously saved a penalty from Cristiano Ronaldo during a 2021 World Cup qualifier against Portugal.

Will Smallbone (Republic of Ireland)

Age at Euro 2028: 28

Since making his debut for Ireland earlier this year, Smallbone has proved how ready he is for the international stage.

A player of the match display on his international debut against Latvia back in March would have excited the Irish fans.

In just under five years, Smallbone should be hitting his peak so there is every chance he will take part.

Che Adams (Scotland)

Age at Euro 2028: 31

Adams has been an ever-present in the Scotland squad ever since he accepted an international call-up in 2021.

The 27 year old has scored five goals in 25 international matches so far and he is still likely to be a part of the Scottish squad in the Summer of 2028.

His Southampton teammate Ross Stewart could also make it but he has only featured twice for his national team so is a lot less established.

Daily Echo:

Shea Charles (Northern Ireland)

Age at Euro 2028: 23

The versatile Saints man has cemented himself as a major part of the Northern Ireland set-up already and at only 19 years old, he will surely have a long international career.

You never know, Charles may even be captaining his country by the time the tournament comes around. Anything is possible with this talented player.

And an outside choice?

Sekou Mara (France)

Age at Euro 2028: 25

Mara has been part of the French youth set-ups from under-16, all the way through to under-21 level.

He is highly thought of in the France international set-up but he has, obviously, not yet been able to break into the senior side.

That looks like a tall ask at this stage, especially with the quality of the forward players who are currently part of Didier Deschamps' squad.

Players develop differently and Mara has traits that could still turn him into a top player in 2028.