Saints could have two European Championship winners in their ranks next season as Jose Fonte and Cedric Soares make history for the club tomorrow night.

The duo are set to be the first serving Saints stars to play in a major international final as they line up for Portugal against France in Paris.

Saints skipper Fonte could enjoy the crowning moment of his career if, at 32, he lifts the Euro 2016 trophy.

Right back Soares is also in line to play for Portugal a year after arriving at St Mary’s.

He said: "This is all about winning and that's why we're going to Paris. France is an amazing team, but we'll prepare the best we can for the final.

"It's amazing. Incredible to be in the final, it defies description but we've earned this, we deserved the congratulations.”

Portugal have not set the tournament alight on their route to the final, but have a solid defence, thanks in part to Fonte, who has been a rock for Saints in six-and-a-half year at St Mary’s and has provided similar stability for his country after getting into the team in the knockout stages.

They also boast one of world football’s greatest attacking superstars in Cristiano Ronaldo.

However, France will have strong home support and will believe they can lift the trophy on their own turf after knocking out World Cup holders Germany in the semi-finals.

France have former Saints midfielder Morgan Schneiderlin in their squad, but he is expected to be on the bench for tomorrow night’s game.

France manager Didier Deschamps said: "It's an important step forward but the most important step is Sunday.

"We're going to do everything in our power to go in to Sunday's game in the best possible condition.

"We had to suffer but never gave up and that's great for me. This is a great story - the players wrote history by knocking out Germany.

"We don't have the power to solve people's problems but we can generate emotions so they forget their worries.

"We generate passion and fervour, we can see that."