England 2-0 Lithuania
Jermain Defoe’s England return was three years and four months in the making, but it didn’t disappoint.
After leading the team out at Wembley with little legend Bradley Lowery, Defoe found the net to open the scoring with just 22 minutes on the clock.
The finish was exceptional and akin to those Sunderland fans have become accustomed to seeing during the striker’s time on Wearside, but he was far from done.
A standout performance saw Defoe go close on a number of occasions, before exited the field of play to a standing ovation on 60 minutes.
Jamie Vardy, who replaced the Black Cat, ensured the win six minutes after coming off the bench.
Prior to kick-off, Gareth Southgate named Defoe in the starting line-up as the Sunderland man represented the Three Lions for the first time since November 2013.
And before a ball was kicked it was a day to remember, with captain Joe Hart asking Defoe and his best mate Bradley to lead the team out at the national stadium.
Tonight's captain Joe Hart lets @Bradleysfight and @IAmJermainDefoe lead @England out: pic.twitter.com/DdUPKUGxUE
— ITV Football (@itvfootball) March 26, 2017
A slow-burner to start with, the game burst into life with 20 minutes played as Defoe slalomed his way in behind the Lithuania backline before firing straight at the ‘keeper’s legs.
But the 34-year-old does not need asking twice.
Two minutes later superb work from Raheem Sterling paved the way as the Manchester City forward bamboozled the visiting defence before sliding the ball into the box, and Defoe did the rest sending a sublime first-time finish into the top corner.
⚽️ @IAmJermainDefoe opens the scoring for @England! pic.twitter.com/OHJSYlWNyV
— ITV Football (@itvfootball) March 26, 2017
By the half-hour mark the Sunderland talisman was letting fly again – this time from outside the box – as he looked to catch the stopper off-guard, but his effort flew narrowly wide of the post.
After shaking off an early knock Sterling could have settled the game moments after the restart, with the electric winger arriving on time only to squander an effort from close range at the back post.
With 60 minutes played Defoe was replaced by Jamie Vardy as Wembley stood to applaud the Wearside hero, and six minutes later victory was sealed as the Leicester City striker made it 2-0.
Jamie Vardy doubles @England's lead after finishing off a fine team move! pic.twitter.com/RUmBfrSrwY
— ITV Football (@itvfootball) March 26, 2017
The day, though, belonged to those in red and white.