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Jermain Defoe opens up about emotional Wembley moment with 'best friend' Bradley Lowery

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 on Sunday

Monday 27 March 2017 08:52 BST

Jermain Defoe admitted it was an emotional day all round for him at Wembley (Getty)

Jermain Defoe admitted he struggled to keep his emotions in check as he made his England return 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 on Sunday.

It was an emotional occasion all round for Defoe who led the team out alongside Bradley Lowery - the terminally ill five-year-old Sunderland fan with whom he has formed such a bond.

England vs Lithuania player ratings

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1/13England vs Lithuania player ratings

England vs Lithuania player ratings

Joe Hart - 5 out of 10

Had absolutely nothing to do in the first-half, and yet still very nearly managed to fluff his lines. Haring off his line to punch a long pass clear, he was beaten to the ball by Nerijus Valskis and was relieved to see John Stones booting his header off the line.

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England vs Lithuania player ratings

Kyle Walker – 6 out of 10

Given license to press forward at every opportunity, Walker had a mixed first-half before growing into the game later on. He helped set up England's second goal with a good burst forward and almost set up Dele Alli for a third moments later.

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England vs Lithuania player ratings

John Stones – 7 out of 10

Has been increasingly impressive for Manchester City in recent weeks and continued his good form at Wembley. Like Keane he had very little work to do defensively but he was superb bringing the ball forward and starting England’s attacks. Incredibly, he barely misplaced a pass during the entire match.

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England vs Lithuania player ratings

Michael Keane - 6 out of 10

Had remarkably little to do in defence after a solid debut away to Germany on Wednesday night. Hit several inch-perfect diagonal passes. Looks like he belongs at this level.

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England vs Lithuania player ratings

Ryan Bertrand - 6 out of 10

Stationed so far forward that he often looked as if he was playing as a left-winger in a 4-3-3 system. Saw a lot of the ball in the first-half but occasionally wasteful in possession, and his final ball was often lacking. Unlikely to replace Danny Rose in Southgate’s staring XI when the Tottenham defender returns.

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England vs Lithuania player ratings

Eric Dier – 7 out of 10

Another assured display from England’s utility man. Showed great tactical awareness to regularly flit between a role in England’s defence and their midfield, and dealt confidently with Lithuania’s aerial threat. Very tidy with the ball at his feet.

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England vs Lithuania player ratings

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain - 6 out of 10

An industrious performance, albeit not groundbreaking in any way. When Southgate named his starting XI it was assumed Oxlade-Chamberlain would be deployed out wide but instead he sat in central midfield alongside Eric Dier. Saw a well-struck long-shot nicely saved in the second-half.

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England vs Lithuania player ratings

Adam Lallana – 8 out of 10

Comfortably England’s best player. Ran confidently between the lines to draw out Lithuania’s deep defence and hit a number of impressive in-swinging crosses into the box to test their goalkeeper. Set up England’s second with a sublime flick into the path of Jamie Vardy.

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England vs Lithuania player ratings

Dele Alli – 6 out of 10

After an impressive display against Germany earlier in the week, Alli struggled to make much of an impression at Wembley. Was on the receiving end of some very rough treatment from Lithuania’s defenders and generally took a backseat as Sterling and Lallana impressed.

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England vs Lithuania player ratings

Raheem Sterling – 7 out of 10

Made a very bright start before fading in the second-half, where he was quickly replaced by Marcus Rashford. Created England’s goal by beating his man and hitting a superb low pass across the face of goal for Defoe to finish.

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England vs Lithuania player ratings

Jermain Defoe – 7 out of 10

Southgate took a gamble when he handed Defoe his first England call-up since 2013. Twenty minutes into this match and his decision was validated. Smashed home from close-range with confidence for his 20th international goal, and looked lively throughout.

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England vs Lithuania player ratings

Jamie Vardy - 6 out of 10

Replaced Jermain Defoe with half an hour left to play and did very well, linking up nicely with Alli and calmly finishing when played through by Lallana for England's second.

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England vs Lithuania player ratings

Marcus Rashford - 7 out of 10

Did exactly what you expect from a thirty minute Marcus Rashford cameo. Terrorised his marker, repeatedly cut inside and was desperately unlucky not to score, or assist a goal.

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"It's hard to put into words really," he said. "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."

Defoe’s fine form for relegation-threatened Black Cats saw him earn the recall to the squad for the games with Germany and Lithuania.

And he says he hopes to continue scoring enough goals to stay in Gareth Southgate’s squad, who now sit top Group F with 13 points from five games, ahead of the World Cup in Russia next year.

"Obviously I've got to go back to my club and make sure we finish the season strong," he added. "I'll keep my head down and see what happens.

"It's good to be back. Just to win the game was important and we did that. It's hard to put in words really to be back."

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