Bradley

I'm incredibly jaded when it comes to the England national football side these days, after years and years of disappointment and mediocrity. Yesterday's 2-0 victory over Lithuania will not live long in the memory. But what I will remember is seeing England led out by Jermain Defoe and Bradley Lowery. Bradley is a five year old Sunderland fan who suffers with neuroblastoma. He is an extraordinary boy and Bradley and his family have demonstrated remarkable courage under the most difficult of circumstances.

Defoe is no stranger to tragedy himself and has gone above and beyond the call of duty to take young Bradley under his wing. Wembley raised the roof for both of them and rightly so. And then the match kicked off. And then in the 21st minute, Jermain Defoe scored. Because that's what Jermain Defoe does. However cynical I am, it was undoubtedly a special moment and I suspect I won't see a Sunderland player score for England again. He's one of the best footballers I've seen in the red and white shirt and he'll leave Sunderland in May with the gratitude of every supporter.

Meanwhile, the fight for Bradley goes on and you can read more about it here.

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