BRADLEY Lowery has received an international “call up” - as Sunderland’s favourite mascot is to perform the role for England’s next home fixture.

The Football Association has invited the five-year-old cancer sufferer to be a mascot when England play Lithuania, in a World Cup qualifier, on March 26.

Five-year-old Bradley, from Blackhall Colliery, has accepted the chance to step out in front of thousands of England fans, at Wembley Stadium.

The latest invite comes as the Sunderland fan, who is battling the rare childhood cancer, neuroblastoma, prepares to lead out the players as the Black Cats travel to face his “second favourite team”, Everton, in the Premier League, on Saturday.

He is no stranger to either Goodison Park, or the players of both teams, as he led them out in the reverse fixture at the Stadium of Light, in September, when the live tv coverage helped to bring his plight to a wider national audience.

Touched by the spirit shown by the County Durham youngster, Everton donated £200,000 to the appeal launched by the Lowery family to try to meet the cost of specialist surgery in the USA, which has since been shelved due to his worsening condition.

The Toffees have also subsequently invited him to be a mascot, which he did to good effect last month, as Everton pulled off a stunning 4-0 victory over Manchester City at Goodison Park.

News of Bradley’s latest mascot invites have proved a welcome diversion for parents, Gemma and Carl, after they received the heartbreaking news that their son is believed to have developed a new tumour.

Bradley, who was first diagnosed with neuroblastoma in 2013, has been undergoing treatment in a bid to prolong his life.

But, Wednesday’s scan results, revealing that a tumour appears to have developed at the base of his back, proved the latest setback for the family.

They are determined, however, that their son can fulfil his beloved mascot duties

A Facebook post on Bradley’s campaign page said: "Bradley has had a magic sleep today to get a bone marrow biopsy.

“This is to see if there is more cancer in his blood.

“He had fun with the story teller before he went, showing her his moves.

“"We are back to hospital on Monday to get his bloods checked.

“We won’t know if Bradley will be getting any more treatment until his bone marrow results are back, late next week.

“Bradley is oblivious to everything that is going on and we will keep it this way the innocence of a child is magical.

“This weekend he will be mascot for Sunderland against his second best team Everton.

“Bradley loves being mascot and loves being on the pitch so we are very grateful to be able to make these special memories.”