Defoe: ‘I had to keep my emotions under control’
Jermain Defoe struggled to keep his emotions in check as he made his return to the England team after an absence of more than three years.
The Sunderland striker marked his Wembley return with the opening goal in England’s 2-0 win over Lithuania in their World Cup qualifying Group F match.
“I enjoyed it, it’s been a good week,” said the 34-year-old, who led the team out alongside Bradley Lowery – the terminally ill five-year-old Sunderland fan with whom he has formed such a bond.
“It’s hard to put into words really,” Defoe added on ITV. “I had to keep my emotions (under control), obviously little Brad was with me.
“You can imagine how I felt doing that, it was special. Just to be back playing with the lads was a great feeling.”