Jermain Defoe aims to stay in England World Cup plans

Jermain Defoe has his sights on a place in England's World Cup squad following a flying start to his career in Major League Soccer.

Defoe scored twice on his debut for Toronto FC to earn his new club a 2-1 win in their first game of the season.

And the former Tottenham striker, 31, hopes his performances will not go un-noticed by England manager Roy Hodgson.

"On a personal level, I'd like to score as many goals as possible for the club and go to the World Cup," said Defoe.

Defoe was included in Hodgson's last squad for England's 1-0 friendly win over Denmark on 5 March.

And the forward believes playing regularly will enhance his prospects of securing a place in Hodgson's 23-man squad for the summer's World Cup Finals in Brazil.

"I just need to play and score goals," added Defoe, whose goals gave Toronto, managed by his former Tottenham team-mate Ryan Nelsen, an opening win at Seattle Sounders.

"To get on a World Cup squad you have to be playing. Throughout my career people know I've scored a lot of goals.

"I think the most important thing for me is to play and score goals. I think that's all I can do."

Defoe, who left Tottenham to join Toronto at the end of February, has been capped 55 times by England and scored 19 goals for his country.

But he acknowledged that Hodgson will face a number of selection posers in selecting his final squad to take to Brazil.

"I think England have a great chance because I think there's a great mix between the experienced players and the young players," Defoe told Fifa.com.

"It's so exciting. It's going to be hard for the manager to pick 23 players because there are so many good players these days."