The Three Lions earned their passage to next year’s Russia showpiece with an undefeated qualifying campaign, which was sealed with back-to-back 1-0 wins over Slovenia and Lithuania, where Harry Kane scored both winners.
And Bournemouth striker Defoe, who was not part of the England team that flopped at the Brazil finals in 2014, is hopeful that he can get one more shot at World Cup glory, having recently turned 35.
He told Sky Sports News: "In a World Cup year, you always want to do well for your club because it is based on merit. To get into a squad, you have got to be playing well for your club, it's as simple as that. As a forward, you have got to be scoring goals to get into the squad.
"I think having played in a World Cup, having had that experience, not just the games, the build-up and being at the hotel with the team, 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.
"I believe this group has got so much more to offer and so, of course, that's the dream, the dream has not changed since day one to play in a major tournament."