World Cup

Michael Dawson retains World Cup hope

By Michael Penkman, Reporter | 22 November 2013

Michael Dawson says that he is still gunning for a place in England's World Cup squad despite not making an appearance for his country in over two years.

Tottenham Hotspur defender Michael Dawson has said that he has not given up hope of making the England squad for next year's World Cup in Brazil.

The 30-year-old has not represented his country since playing 90 minutes in a 2-0 victory over Wales at the Millennium Stadium in March 2011, and said that he is desperate to add to his four international caps.

Dawson has fought his way back into the first team at White Hart Lane following the arrival of Andre Villas-Boas, who seemed ready to let him join Queens Park Rangers last summer.

The former Nottingham Forest man has vowed to continue working hard in the hope of playing his way into Roy Hodgson's plans.

"I must be doing something right if everyone is saying [I should be given a chance] but I'm obviously not doing something quite right if the England manager isn't picking me," he told talkSPORT.

"The boys playing for England are top players. I want to be in their shoes, I don't hide that. I'm striving to be back in the squad. I've always said playing for my country is a massive honour. I've got four caps and I'd love to add to them.

"The lads who qualified for the World Cup were fantastic. Personally, all I can do is keep my head down at Tottenham and hopefully keep performing well. If the results go right, who knows?"

Dawson has started every Premier League game for Spurs this season.