But Dawson now views his international comeback against Denmark on Wednesday as the chance to stake a claim to face Wales in next month's Euro 2012 qualifier in Cardiff.
Dawson was part of the World Cup squad last summer as a late replacement for injured captain Rio Ferdinand, although he did not taste any action.
He finally won his first cap against Hungary at Wembley in August but suffered ankle and knee injuries in the European Championship qualifying clash with Bulgaria a month later that left him thinking his campaign could be over.
But Dawson was back playing within three months and is now anxious to make up for lost time with club - via the Champions League - and country.
Dawson said: "The season started so well with Tottenham qualifying for the Champions League against Young Boys and with then finally getting the first England cap.
"The game started so well against Bulgaria but then came the bad injury.
"It looked a lot worse at the time and everyone was saying to me 'be prepared for eight months out - the whole season'.
"I did my ankle and knee at the same time. Everyone thought it was my cruciate but thankfully it wasn't.
"The ankle was worse and it became swollen and I could not get rid of it. Fortunately, I was only out for three months - although that was enough.
"That is in the past now, I have played lots of games for Spurs and now I am looking forward to Denmark with England."
Dawson added: "I am happy the chance with England again has come around again.
"I have been back playing for a couple of months and, if you get in England squad, it is through what I have been doing for Spurs.
"I want to do as well as possible and Wednesday is a chance to stake a claim for Cardiff next month, a qualifier.
"Every game is big for me. This game, for players who haven't got too many caps, is a great chance to make a case for next month."
Dawson admits he would understand it if club boss Harry Redknapp views the friendly with apprehension after the injuries himself and Jermain Defoe suffered with England this season.
He said: "Maybe the manager (Redknapp) is thinking that with all the players on international duty.
"But, as a player, walking on the pitch, even for a friendly, you can't think like that.
"I will give it my all. You have to train hard, you have to train as you play.
"Hopefully there will be many more caps to come. I've got to keep working hard.
"But it will always be an honour to wear those three lions on your shirt."
Dawson is relishing next week's Champions League encounter with AC Milan and hopes Tottenham can qualify on a regular basis.
He said: "When that music comes on, it makes it special. In the Premier League, the football is different. Teams are set up differently.
"The Champions League is a great learning curve for many of the players in the Tottenham team and it's where we want to be on a regular basis. We want to finish in the top four again, and maybe even aim higher."
One player Dawson is aware England will have to combat on Wednesday is Arsenal striker Nicklas Bendtner.
He said: "He's a target man, a big lad, a confident player.
"We know all about him from the Premier League, so we'll have to be ready.
"He is confident. He's playing at Arsenal."