'Devastated' Greece players to mark Baldock death before England game

England and Greece players will wear black armbands and hold a period of silence in tribute to George Baldock before Thursday night's Nations League fixture at Wembley.

The England-born Greece international drowned in a swimming pool at his home in Glyfada, southern Athens, on Wednesday night.

Baldock, who joined Greek side Panathinaikos last summer after seven years with Sheffield United, was capped 12 times by Greece.

Sources inside the Greece camp told BBC Sport that the players are "devastated" by Baldock's sudden death.

Baldock's family said they are "heartbroken" by the sudden passing of "our beloved George".

"George, you were the most special father, fiance, son, brother, uncle, friend, team-mate and person," said his family in a statement.

"Your enthusiasm and infectious personality brought so much love to those that were fortunate enough to know you and those that adored you from the stands. We will forever cherish the special memories we have of you and you will continue to live on in your beautiful son.

"You were due to fly home today for us to celebrate his first birthday together, but instead we mourn your loss.

"As a family it has been incredibly touching, but equally so very difficult to read the huge number of tributes written by those that knew George and from those whose life he touched.

"It was impossible not to love him. We ask that you please continue to respect our privacy at this devastating time as we begin to process our grief."

Greece sources told the BBC that the Greek FA asked about a possible postponement of Thursday’s game, which kicks off at 19:45 BST, but were told by Uefa that there was no room in the busy calendar.

BBC Sport has approached Uefa for comment.

In a joint statement, the Greece players said: "It is impossible to believe that our dear friend and team-mate, George, is no longer with us. Our pain is indescribable.

"Tonight, we will try to reach the strength of his soul, which is a bright example for us all. Our thoughts are with his family. We will never forget you friend."

Greece sources said the team found out about their team-mate's death when returning from training at Wembley on Wednesday night and had "barely slept".

Many of the players were good friends with Baldock, including Greece captain Anastasios Bakasetas, who also plays for Panathinaikos.

Baldock's body was found at 22:30 local time (20:30 BST) on Wednesday.

A police spokesperson said there was no evidence of criminal activity.

Toxicology test results are expected in the coming days while police will also examine CCTV footage.

Baldock started his career at MK Dons in 2009 and played more than 100 times for them.

He had loan spells with several clubs including Northampton and Oxford United, before joining Sheffield United in 2017.

He made 219 appearances in all competitions for the club, helping them to promotion to the Premier League in 2019 and again in 2023.

Baldock was born in Buckingham but qualified for Greece through his maternal grandmother and was called up for the first time by manager Gus Poyet in May 2022.

He made his debut for the country the following month in a 1-0 win over Northern Ireland at Windsor Park in Belfast.