Saints legend Lawrie McMenemy insists Mauricio Pochettino deserves a share of the credit for three of the club’s players making England’s World Cup squad.

McMenemy, pictured, who led Saints to the 1976 FA Cup, was thrilled to hear that Roy Hodgson had picked Rickie Lambert, Adam Lallana and Luke Shaw for Brazil.

He believes the work conducted by Pochettino, coupled with the efforts of the players, has helped lead to the unprecedented recognition for the club.

“They are all good choices and it’s credit to all three players,” he said.

“But it’s a good time to give credit to the manager and his staff as well.

“The way the team has been run this season, both on the training ground and the pitch itself, has got people to sit up and take notice. Not just for the way they play, but their results, home and away, as well.

“They have impressed everybody this season.”

McMenemy added: “The hope for supporters of the club, like myself, is that the three of them will all be there when they come back at the beginning of the season and that, instead of looking to see where anyone goes, we are looking to see what is added to what is already in place, so that the club can move on again.”