Dawson desperate for World Cup spot

Michael Dawson's wife has been nagging him to book his holidays but the Tottenham centre-back is holding out hope he can make the World Cup. Dawson, who is winning his battle to overcome an Achilles injury to face Portsmouth in the FA Cup semi-final this weekend, is chasing a Champions League place with Spurs and hoping his form will lead to an England call-up. It means the uncapped 26-year-old is not thinking of the beach just yet. "I've not booked my hols yet," he said. "My wife keeps nagging me and asking me where we are going. I might not have decided yet! Even if I don't get selected for the World Cup, I'd be watching every England game anyway. "It's a dream to play for England, I was a sub a few times but never got on the pitch. Winning an FA Cup, finishing fourth and going with England would be everything. "People say what do I have to do - I say if I keep playing well I will have a chance." To complete his three targets, Dawson will have to overcome his recent heartache at Wembley - in 2008 he was injured for the Carling Cup triumph, then he lost in the final of that competition last season. "Last year we played well and I was devastated," he said. "Hopefully it won't happen again. "Unfortunately I missed out against Chelsea. Maybe it was not like celebrating if I had played but it's not about individuals. It was great to be part of the squad and a great day out for the fans." Harry Redknapp is hopeful Dawson will be fit to face Pompey - but the Spurs boss was dreading facing his former club when the draw was made. "I was pleased that Portsmouth got through but I really didn't want to draw them," Redknapp said. "If I am honest I was hoping to draw Aston Villa but you cannot choose who you play. "You expect the majority of people to be behind Portsmouth - except Southampton fans!" Redknapp won the trophy with Pompey two years ago but he ranks keeping them in the Premier League, after returning there in the 2005-06 season, as his greatest triumph. He said: "Going to Wigan and winning was a special day, when we were 10 or 11 points adrift with 10 games to go and to go on that fantastic run. "When I went back there really I would not be sitting here now if it had gone wrong. I took a massive gamble. It was the worst team I had ever seen in my life and we were so far adrift. Suddenly it was win, win, win."