The Sunderland striker, making his first appearance for the national team in three-and-a-half years, held the hand of the five-year-old Bradley, who suffers from a rare form of cancer known as neuroblastoma.

Defoe has struck an accord with the Sunderland-supporting youngster and, along with team-mates John O’Shea, Vito Mannone and Sebastian Larsson, visited him in hospital last month.



An image of Defoe holding a sleeping Bradley in his arms was shared widely on social media after the visit, and the same image now adorns Defoe’s locker at Sunderland’s training ground.

“I’m blessed to be in a position where I can make someone feel that way,” Defoe told The Times following his visit to Bradley’s hospital bedside.

“People say football’s just a game. I’ve been lucky enough to have this gift and doing something I love, and touching so many lives, little kids that are ill.”

Defoe went on to open the scoring for England, converting Raheem Sterling’s cross in the 21st minute.

Bradley’s appearance as a mascot for the Lithuania game is part of his family’s attempt to create as many happy memories for the youngster as possible, after doctors confirmed last year that his cancer was terminal.