Emotional Defoe back in the goals for England

Sunderland striker Defoe ended a lengthy international exile with his 20th goal for the Three Lions – four years on from his 19th – by slotting home Raheem SJermain Defoe had to keep his emotions in check before memorably marking his England return with the opening goal in the 2-0 win over Lithuania.terling’s cutback in the 21st minute of a routine World Cup qualifying victory.

An extra poignancy was added to the 34-year-old’s day when he led England on to the field ahead of captain Joe Hart for kick-off, accompanied by terminally ill five-year-old and Sunderland fanatic Bradley Lowery.

Defoe also walked out alongside the youngster for Sunderland’s home game against Chelsea this season and has visited him in hospital while receiving treatment for neuroblastoma.

„It’s nice to score but just to win the game was important and we did that,“ Defoe told ITV.