Tottenham Hotspur vs Borussia Dortmund - Spurs success likely to lead to more call-ups

Mauricio Pochettino believes Roy Hodgson could name up to eight Tottenham players in the next England squad but insists the national side will not damage his team's title charge.

Tottenham will have to overturn a 3-0 deficit against Borussia Dortmund to progress in the Europa League on Thursday but the squad have endured a hectic season already, having come through 52 matches in all competitions.

Hodgson will pick his squad for upcoming friendlies against Germany and Holland on Thursday, and Spurs are set to have the largest contingent of any club in the Barclays Premier League.

Harry Kane, Dele Alli, Kyle Walker and Eric Dier are all likely to be called up while Danny Rose, Ryan Mason, Kieran Trippier and Tom Carroll have also featured heavily for Spurs in recent weeks.

The international break arrives at a crucial point in the campaign as Spurs sit second in the table with eight games to play, but Pochettino is not concerned.

"Maybe we have a big, big group called up - seven, six, eight maybe," the Argentinian said.

"We have contact with all the staff from the national teams and always we need advice and information but we'll never say 'you need to do this or that'.

"We have confidence and trust in the national team to care and look after our players."

Christian Eriksen and Mousa Dembele both sat out first-team training on Wednesday and Pochettino confirmed the pair would likely be rested against Dortmund, with a home game against Bournemouth to come on Sunday.

Pochettino fielded a weakened side for last week's first leg at the Westfalenstadion and Dortmund took full advantage to stand on the brink of the quarter-finals. Spurs will have to score three without reply even to force extra-time at White Hart Lane.

"I believe in my squad and for one result negative now it has not changed my vision of them," Pochettino said.

"Sometimes it is difficult and I accept in a very good way the criticism because always in football if you win you are a genius, if not, you are a disaster.

"For me it is important to keep all players motivated. All players are important. It is not only to say it, it is important to show I believe in them.

"Sometimes we rotate, sometimes maybe I made a mistake. We analyse our decisions a lot. We can always do better and for that we are open to learn."

Jan Vertonghen and Clinton Njie will not be involved in the second leg but both players have recovered from their knee injuries.

Borussia Dortmund head coach Thomas Tuchel believes success is just around the corner for Tottenham no matter what the outcome of Thursday's tie.

"With Pochettino it has become a clear way to play for Tottenham, an attacking side with a lot of possession as well and a very aggressive style of defending," Tuchel said.

"These are things Dortmund were famous for in the last few years but we also developed and tried to reach new levels. Everybody has to find their way.

"Tottenham are finding their own style and not trying to imitate anything else. You have to find your own way in the league you play and in the cup games and of course in Europe.

"They have an excellent coach and squad. Success is coming. We will see where it ends."

Pochettino drew criticism for resting a number of players in the Westfalenstadion but Tuchel feels no disappointment at the prospect of another weakened Tottenham line-up.

"Not at all. It is important we focus on ourselves. Who will know what the result would have been if other players had played?" Tuchel said.

"We do the same stuff in league games we rotate several positions and who is to say if this is now a weaker squad or not the best choice for this game? Wait and see tomorrow.

"I am not disappointed. I am not expecting anything. It is a big challenge to play here at White Hart Lane."

Sven Bender and Ilkay Gundogan have not travelled with the Dortmund squad to London while full-back Erik Durm is a doubt after picking up a knock against Mainz last weekend.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who scored his 33rd goal of the season in the first leg, may be rested but Tuchel insists he is not thinking about his side's visit to Augsburg on Sunday.