Mauricio Pochettino said Luke Shaw’s England call-up has not affected the teenage left back.
However, the Saints boss did not rule out that Roy Hodgson’s inclusion of four of his squad for Wednesday night’s friendly against Denmark could have heaped extra pressure on the players involved.
Hodgson named Shaw, Rickie Lambert, Adam Lallana and Jay Rodriguez in his squad for the game at Wembley, and was in the St Mary’s director’s box to watch them in action on Saturday.
He saw Liverpool defeat Saints 3-0 and Pochettino admitted he wasn’t entirely sure whether all the hype had got to them.
“It could have affected them but you would have to ask them and they could give you a more precise answer,” he said.
“It could be that it did affect them but I thought overall we played a very good game and the fact we were not clinical in front of goal decided the way the game went.”
Speaking of 18-year-old Shaw, he added: “I thought Luke Shaw played as well as he usually plays.
“I don’t think it’s affected him in any way the fact he got the England call up.
“If anything it’s made him play with more enthusiasm.”
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