Boy who captured hearts of England
Mascot’s big day with pal Defoe
ENGLAND mascot Bradley Lowery gives a thumbs-up at Wembley yesterday with “best mate” Jermain Defoe.
The five-year-old terminal cancer sufferer led England out for the 2-0 World Cup qualifier against Lithuania.
Man City’s Joe Hart, captaining the game, gave up his place at the head of the line-up to put Bradley at centre stage.
The boy from Blackhall Colliery, Co Durham, met England boss Gareth Southgate then went out to such cheers he had to cover his ears and get a reassuring hug from his Sunderland hero Jermain, 34, who visits him in hospital. Jermain said later: “I had to keep my emotions in at the beginning because little Brad was with me. It was special.” Jermain, who scored a goal 21 minutes into his Three Lions return, was named Man of the Match. Bradley was “over the moon” with his day. There were also tributes to the Westminster terror victims and to ex-England boss Graham Taylor, who died this year aged 72.
FOOTBALL restored a little of its soul last night when Jermain Defoe held the hand of desperately ill Bradley Lowery to lead out England at Wembley.
Captain Joe Hart pushing the pair forward on his own big day, so the sick little boy would enjoy the limelight, was a touching gesture. And it proves a much maligned sport can still have its beautiful moments.