Southampton boss Mauricio praised matchwinner Jay Rodriguez after victory at Crystal Palace.
Rodriguez netted the decisive goal in what was for large parts a frustrating match, latching onto a weak header by former Saints winger Jason Puncheon and then beating Julian Speroni in a 50-50 challenge to finish into an open goal.
"I thought the goal showed exactly what Jay Rodriguez is made of," Pochettino said of the 37th-minute strike.
"It showed his quality, showed his speed, showed how brave he is, showed his technique. It also shows the fact that he fully deserved the England call-up as well."
Asked if Rodriguez had the talent to play at the World Cup, the former Argentina international said: "I think he has the talent, I think he has the skill to go with the English national side and play for the English national side.
"I think the call-up to the English national side by Roy Hodgson of Jay Rodriguez was deserved, and to actually win your place you need to deserve you place to be going to the tournament.
"To be scoring goals as he did here, he is definitely increasing his chances."
