Jermain Defoe’s recall to the England setup for the first time in over four years is a nice, feel good story.

But the fact terminally ill Sunderland fan Bradley Lowery was already pencilled in to be mascot at the World Cup qualifier with Lithuania next Sunday now makes it even more fitting.

Defoe and Lowery have developed a heartwarming bond in recent months, with the young Black Cats supporter’s plight touching the entire nation of football fans.

The five-year-old was diagnosed with neuroblastoma in January 2013 and has another round of treatment scheduled in less than two weeks.

And he’ll now get the chance to walk out with his hero Defoe at Wembley in the World Cup qualifier next Sunday.

Bradley was over the moon to hear his best mate had been called up for the England squad. He loves you @IAmJermainDefoe #specialbond pic.twitter.com/uOzI5ScWZ0 — Bradley Lowery (@Bradleysfight) March 16, 2017

Bradley loves @IAmJermainDefoe he didn't want him to leave today and fell asleep cuddling into him #specialbond #bestfriends pic.twitter.com/sn2symKhdv — Bradley Lowery (@Bradleysfight) February 9, 2017

Defoe’s return to the international fold is richly deserved after a couple of prolific seasons with the lowly Black Cats.

His goals effectively kept them in the Premier League last season and, despite them sitting rock bottom of the division again this season, has still managed 14 goals in 27 appearances.

Upon the news of his recall, the 34-year-old claimed he ‘didn’t know a Gareth’ when he picked up his phone to see a message from England boss Gareth Southgate.

Defoe will now join up with his England team-mates ahead of a friendly with Germany next Wednesday.

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