Bradley Lowery has become one of England's most recognised football fans in recent months.
The five-year-old Sunderland fan, who is suffering from Neuroblastoma, was an England mascot for their 2-0 win over Lithuania in Wembley. He took to the field hand-in-hand with Sunderland striker Jermain Defoe.
Defoe was playing for England for the first time since 2013, and scored the opening goal for Gareth Southgate's side. The striker and Lowery have struck a strong bond in recent months with the striker going as far as saying he "gets strength" from Bradley's battle, and how he copes with his illness.
Lining up behind captain Joe Hart, the Torino goalkeeper invited Defoe and Lowery to lead the team out, despite not captaining the team.
Tonight's captain Joe Hart lets @Bradleysfight and @IAmJermainDefoe lead @England out: pic.twitter.com/DdUPKUGxUE
— ITV Football (@itvfootball) March 26, 2017
The duo call each other "best mates", and Lowery clearly inspired Defoe on his return to international action, scoring in 21 minutes. It was his first international goal since scoring twice in an 8-0 win away to San Marino in March 2013.
After the win, Defoe said he had to keep himself composed at the start of the match. "I had to keep my emotions at the beginning with little Brad with me."
A special moment... 😊#threelions https://t.co/FlszGnpeDk
— England (@England) March 26, 2017
I hope you had an amazing day @Bradleysfight. It was perfect to walk out at @wembleystadium with you... ⚽⤠#BestMates #England pic.twitter.com/mFBpy1MK02
— Jermain Defoe (@IAmJermainDefoe) March 26, 2017
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