Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Harry Winks started for England against Lithuania in midweek.
Winks’ impressive form for Tottenham this season was recognised by Gareth Southgate over the recent international break.
The youngster may have only made four Premier League starts for Tottenham, but his potential is clear.
And Pochettino messaged Winks to tell him that he deserved to be handed a chance to impress for England.
“I haven’t actually seen him since my call-up, but he dropped me a text to congratulate me and he said it was deserved,” said Winks. “He is a top manager, but he is a top man as well. He is someone always there to give you advice and he breeds confidence around the camp.”
Winks made his Three Lions debut in Southgate’s men’s match against Lithuania in midweek.
The Spurs man impressed during the contest, even though England were fairly uninspiring throughout what was a drab encounter.
England could only manage a 1-0 victory over Lithuania, with Winks’ Tottenham teammate Harry Kane scoring from the penalty spot to ensure that the Three Lions went unbeaten through their qualification campaign for the World Cup in Russia.
Winks will now return to Spurs, and he could feature at the weekend, when Pochettino’s side take on Bournemouth.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
