England

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Greece have asked to wear black armbands for their Nations League games against England later and at home to the Republic of Ireland on Sunday.

The Football Association have confirmed both England and Greece will wear black armbands during their match this evening. There will also be a period of silence to pay respect to George Baldock.

An England statement on X read: "We're extremely saddened by the passing of George Baldock. George was close to many of our players, and represented Greece – our opponents on Thursday night. We're thinking of George's family, friends and team-mates at club and country at this difficult time."

Ian Dennis
BBC Radio 5 Live senior football reporter

Both Harry Kane and Jack Grealish will miss tonight’s game against Greece at Wembley.

Interim boss Lee Carsley thinks "they will be okay in a couple of days, so we are not going to take any gambles with them".

Grealish missed training on Wednesday after picking up a minor knock while Kane has been following his own individual training programme since linking up with England this week.

The Football Association has confirmed it will show its respects to George Baldock when England play Greece at Wembley later.

In a statement, the FA said: "At the request of Greece, there will be a period of silence and both teams will wear black armbands at Wembley Stadium this evening to mark the sudden passing of George Baldock.

"As originally planned, Wembley will acknowledge and celebrate the life of Kick It Out founder Lord Herman Ouseley ahead of the pre-match ceremony."

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The Professional Footballers' Association said: "Everyone at the PFA is deeply saddened by the passing of George Baldock.

"The immediate reactions to George’s death, at such a tragically young age, reflect how loved and respected he was by team-mates, fans and so many across the game. Our thoughts are with George’s family and his many friends, within football and beyond."

The English Football League added: "The EFL is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of George Baldock, a player who made a lasting impact with spells across the League at Sheffield United, Oxford United, Northampton Town and MK Dons. Our thoughts are with his family, friends and former colleagues."

Worth nothing that George Baldock is known as 'Starman' by Sheffield United fans.

They chanted his name to the tune of David Bowie's Starman, saying "there's a Starman, running down the right."

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Paul Heckingbottom, who was Sheffield United manager from November 2021 to December 2023, said on X: "Numbing to hear of George Baldock’s passing, a man with so much still ahead of him in life as a husband, father, brother and son.

"George was super person and fantastic professional who was admired and adored by all who worked with him. My prayers are with his loved ones right now."

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Way before they became professional footballers, England and Chelsea left-back Ben Chilwell got to know George Baldock as they grew up in Buckinghamshire.

Chilwell wrote on Instagram: "From hitting the bars together when we were younger in MK, to playing each other in the Premier League. I am heartbroken. Rest in peace mate."

Former Sheffield United player Samir Carruthers wrote on Instagram: "Brother, I don't know what to say, I love you man. I miss you.

"You was my best mate for years and years and I was so lucky to live my football career with you and live with you. The world has lost an amazing human but I know you're in heaven my friend. I will cherish every memory I made with you, you'll always be in my heart."

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England and Manchester United defender Harry Maguire, who played for Sheffield United before George Baldock joined the club, posted a photo of Baldock with the caption: "RIP".

Reporter Alan Biggs has added: "Just don’t want to acknowledge or accept it. How? Such a brilliant player for SUFC, absolutely all in, &, just as importantly, a brilliant bloke.

"How I’ll remember George Baldock. In particular a picture I snapped of him sitting beer in hand, exhausted but elated, quietly celebrating Sheffield United’s last promotion in 2023. SUFC fans loved him. Thoughts with all George’s family & friends."

JJ O'Donnell was in the MK Dons academy with George Baldock. He said: "From playing alongside him as a young lad at MK Dons, to playing against him years later when he was on loan at Tamworth.

"A good lad who went on to do very well for himself in the game. So, so sad seeing he’s passed away so young. RIP George Baldock."

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MK Dons was the club that George Baldock started his professional career with. He came through their academy, following in the footsteps of his older brother Sam, before making his first-team debut in 2010.

George became a first-team regular during the 2013-14 season and later had two loan spells with Oxford before being recalled in January 2016 and re-establishing himself in the Us' first team.

The club wrote on X: "We are deeply devastated and saddened to learn about the shocking news of former Academy graduate and MK Dons player, George Baldock.

"George started his career at Stadium MK, where he worked his way through the youth ranks and made his senior career debut at the club before reaching the heights of the Premier League in later years.

"Everyone affiliated with MK Dons shares a great love for George, Sam and the Baldock family, and we would like to share our sincerest condolences during these awful times. You will always be one of our own, George."

George Baldock then went on loan to non-league club Tamworth FC, who said they are "deeply saddened by the sudden passing of our former player George Baldock.

"George joined Tamworth FC in 2012 at the start of his career from MK Dons on loan and made 18 appearances for the Lambs and also made his way onto the scoresheet.

"A brilliant character and a brilliant person, George went on to fulfil his potential and will always be remembered by everyone associated with Tamworth Football Club.

"Tamworth Football Club send our sincere condolences to George Baldock’s family, friends and everyone associated with him. A Lamb gone but never forgotten. Rest in Peace George Baldock, the Lamb that made it all the way, we will forever miss you."