October 10th 2024.
Tonight, as England takes on Greece at Wembley, both teams will be sporting black armbands in their third match of the Nations League campaign. It's been an impressive start for the Three Lions under interim boss Lee Carsley, with victories over Ireland and Finland last month. And they'll be looking to maintain their unbeaten record against Greece, who also have two wins under their belt and currently sit at the top of Group B.
But amidst the excitement of the game, both England and Greece will be honoring the memory of former Premier League star and Greece international, George Baldock, who tragically passed away on Wednesday. The 31-year-old defender, who spent seven years with Sheffield United, was found unresponsive in his swimming pool at his home in Greece. The exact cause of death is still unknown.
It's a heartbreaking loss for both the football community and his loved ones. Baldock was a well-known figure on the pitch, earning the nickname "Furious George" for his fierce playing style. He played a significant role in helping Sheffield United secure promotion to the Premier League twice and made a total of 219 appearances for the team before leaving for Greek giants Panathinaikos in the summer.
Despite his move to Greece, Baldock remained a beloved figure in English football and even became a Greek international through his grandmother. He made 12 appearances for the national team between 2022 and 2024, with his debut coming against Northern Ireland in 2022 and his last appearance against Georgia in March of last year.
Greece had requested to postpone the game following the tragic news, but UEFA informed them that there were no available dates to reschedule. So, both teams will be wearing black armbands as a tribute to Baldock during the game. In a statement, his family asked for privacy during this difficult time, while Sheffield United also expressed their shock and sadness at the news.
Baldock's passing serves as a reminder of the fragility of life and the impact he had on both the English and Greek football communities. Our thoughts and condolences go out to his family, friends, and all those who were touched by his presence on and off the pitch. Rest in peace, George Baldock. You will be dearly missed.
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