Jermain Defoe is the name on everyone's lips following England's 2-0 win over Lithuania in Sunday's World Cup qualifier.The 34-year-old, making his first international appearance since 2013, scored in the 22nd minute with a trademark poacher's goal inside the 18-yard box.Raheem Sterling crossed into a dangerous area and, sure enough, Defoe was on hand to apply the finish and break the deadlock.His goal earned the Man of the Match award, but the veteran striker will remember the game against Lithuania for more reasons than one.Despite the fact Joe Hart was captain, Defoe led England onto the Wembley pitch alongside his best friend, Bradley Lowery.The terminally-ill Sunderland supporter, aged 5, is Defoe's biggest fan and was thrilled when his hero was given a call-up by Gareth Southgate.Speaking in a post-match press conference, Defoe attempted to describe how it felt walking onto the pitch with Bradley by his side."It's hard to put into words really," he said, per the Independent. "I had to keep my emotions (under control), obviously little Brad was with me."You can imagine how I felt doing that, it was special. Just to be back playing with the lads was a great feeling."Defoe's emotions spilled over onto Twitter after the game, with the Sunderland ace paying tribute to Bradley with an amazing tweet (see below).
He wrote: "I hope you had an amazing day @Bradleysfight. It was perfect to walk out at @wembleystadium with you... â½â¤ #BestMates #England."
Beautiful. Defoe's tweet melted the hearts of football fans, who hailed him as a hero and role model for his friendship with Bradley.
TWITTER REACTS
Seems Bradley enjoyed the experience just as much as Defoe did after the five-year-old's campaign manager, Lynn Murphy, said after the game that he "loved every minute of it".
She added: "When he came off the pitch he was over the moon, and when Jermain scored that really topped the day off.
"After the match he got to spend time with Jermain for a bit longer and said, 'I've had an amazing day, it's been fabulous'. Those were his words."