Bradley Lowery was delighted when he heard that Jermain Defoe was included in the England squad for today’s game against Lithuania.The five-year-old, who is battling neuroblastoma, shouted “yaaay!” upon hearing that Defoe was in the squad, according to the Mirror, as his excitement went “through the roof”.Lowery, a huge Sunderland fan, has struck up a friendship with Defoe as his battle with cancer has attracted attention from football fans around the world.And the sight of the pair walking out together hand-in-hand at Wembley Stadium touched even more hearts.Joe Hart is England’s captain today but he allowed Defoe and Lowery to step in front of him so that the youngster could walk out onto the Wembley turf first.It really was a beautiful moment.

Bradley was excited to be the mascot

Bradley’s mum, Gemma, revealed just how much the popular Sunderland fan was looking forward to being the mascot for today’s game.

“Bradley is so excited to be mascot for England,” Gemma said, per the Mirror.

“He has spoken about it every day since we told him. Bradley has touched so many hearts, we are so proud of our little boy.”

Defoe made Bradley's day

We imagine Bradley was even more ecstatic when Defoe gave England the lead midway through the first half.

Watch the moment Hart let Bradley and Defoe walk England out below.

Twitter reacts

Defoe scored

Then, the moment that everyone was hoping for. Defoe’s goal.

Defoe was making his first England start in four years but he needed only 22 minutes to show just what the Three Lions have been missing, turning home Raheem Sterling’s cross.

The Sunderland striker paid Bradley a visit in hospital last month. A photo of Bradley asleep, arm around his hero, was retweeted nearly 30,000 times on Twitter.

We hope Bradley enjoys his day!

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