Why are England and Greece wearing black armbands at Wembley tonight?
10/10/2024 11:24 AM
England face off against Greece at Wembley on Thursday night in their third match of the Nations League campaign.
The Three Lions made an impressive start to life under interim boss Lee Carsley last month with victories over Ireland and Finland.
And they will look to keep their unbeaten start going against Greece who also won their first two matches to sit top of Group B.
During the game, both England and Greece are wearing black armbands – here is why.
Why are England and Greece wearing black armbands?
Both sides will be wearing black armbands to pay tribute to former Premier League star and Greece international George Baldock who tragically passed away on Wednesday.
The former Sheffield United defender was found unresponsive in his swimming pool at his home in Greece. The exact cause of death is not yet known.
The right-back was best known for seven years on the books of Sheffield United, making 219 appearances for the Blades between 2017 and March of this year.
He twice helped the Bramall Lane outfit secure promotion to the Premier League and was nicknamed 'Furious George' for all his all-action displays on the pitch.
The defender left English football to sign for Greek giants Panathinaikos in the summer and played for the club as recently as Sunday in a goalless draw with Olympiakos in the Greek top flight.
Baldock became a Greek international through his grandmother and played 12 times for the national team between 2022 and 2024.
He made his debut against Northern Ireland in June 2022 with his last appearance coming in a 1-0 loss versus Georgia in March last year.
Greece had requested to postpone the game following the death but were told by UEFA that there were no available dates for the game to be moved to, therefore it could not be postponed.
In a brief statement, his family said: ‘We can confirm that George has sadly passed away. As a family we are in shock at this terrible loss. We ask please that the media respect our privacy at this time.'
Sheffield United also released a statement which read: 'Sheffield United Football Club is shocked and extremely saddened to learn of the passing of former player, George Baldock.
'The defender left the club in the summer after seven years at Bramall Lane and was extremely popular with supporters, staff and team-mates who pulled on a red and white shirt alongside him.
'The sincere condolences of everyone associated with Sheffield United are extended to George's family and friends.'
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