Jermain Defoe targeting England World Cup call-up

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Jermain Defoe is targeting Premier League goals to book place in England squad
Defoe focusing on improving form to propel him to his second World Cup finals
Striker was snubbed for the 2014 finals but says it is now a source of motivation
Bournemouth set travel to Wembley to face former club Tottenham Hotspur

Published: 07:21 EDT, 12 October 2017 | Updated: 07:57 EDT, 12 October 2017

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Bournemouth striker Jermain Defoe believes that he needs a high-scoring season for his club to boost his chances of being named in the England squad for the 2018 World Cup in Russia.

Defoe's goalscoring exploits for former club Sunderland last campaign earned him a recall to Gareth Southgate's team in March and the veteran is hopeful that a repeat performance at Bournemouth this year can propel him to his second World Cup finals.

'In a World Cup year, you always want to do well for your club because it is based on merit... As a forward, you have got to be scoring goals to get into the squad,' Defoe, 35, told Sky Sports.

Bournemouth striker Jermain Defoe feels goalscoring form will boost his World Cup chances

Defoe has trained his sights on a second World Cup with England next summer in Russia

'I think having played in a World Cup, having had that experience... just everything involved in being at a World Cup is so special.

'It's the pinnacle and to get the opportunity again would be really special, especially with this group of players.'

Defoe was omitted from the England squad for the 2014 World Cup but says the snub motivates him further to claim a spot this time around.

The Bournemouth striker was part of Gareth Southgate's most recent squad but didn't feature

'Even to this day, I believe I should have gone,' Defoe added. 'I felt sharp and I just felt I should have gone, to be honest.

'It was a massive disappointment and that motivates me to think that because I missed that one, I want to go to the next one.'

Defoe will be looking to improve his record of one goal in the opening seven league fixtures when Bournemouth travel to Wembley to take on his former club Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday.