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    England facing fixtures nightmare as shock Greece loss could have knock on effect for World Cup 2026 qualifiers

    ENGLAND could be forced to feature in a Nations League play-off in March.And that would mean the Three Lions’ World Cup qualifiers wouldn’t start until June.England will face fixture congestion if they fail to win their Nations League groupInterim boss Lee Carsley and assistant Ashley Cole had a night to forget at WembleyThe draw for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers will be staged in Zurich in December.If England finish top of the League B group, they are set to begin their campaign for the World Cup in March.But if England fail to automatically qualify, they’ll be forced to play a Nations League play-off in March instead.If Lee Carsley’s men finish second in the Nations League — and the 2-1 loss to Greece means this is possible — they will have a promotion play-off against a third-placed League A side.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSGreece sit three points above England at the top of the group.The Three Lions are set to be in a five-team World Cup group so their eight qualifying games could be pushed back.Interim head boss Carsley was given one main challenge when accepting his current role with England – to help the Three Lions earn promotion back to the top tier of the Nations League.But after the Greece defeat, Carsley all but confirmed that he doesn’t want the permanent job anyway.Most read in FootballThe damning stats that underline England horror showGreece were the lowest ranked side to beat England in a competitive match in 19 years (since Northern Ireland ranked 116th in September 2005.The away side were the lowest ranked side to ever beat England on home soil.It was the first time Greece had never beaten England in their history (10 attempts).Greece had never scored a goal at Wembley before tonight (the famous 2-2 with Becks free kick was at Old Trafford)Vangelis Pavlidis’ strikes were his first since June 2022 vs Cyprus.Jude Bellingham’s 87th-minute equaliser was England’s first shot on  target since the third minute (also Bellingham).FOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSCountries that win their Nations League group could earn a place in the qualifying play-offs for the 2026 World Cup, should they fail to qualify for the competition by normal means.But Carsley might have failed his audition after fielding an England team with NO recognised No.9 for the first time in the modern era.’Freedom is the new garlic bread,’ fumes Roy Keane as he blasts Lee Carsley’s England for forgetting the basicsWhat’s more, he admitted that they’d only worked on his rogue striker-less formation for 20 MINUTES in training.And the defeat could’ve been by four or five more – with the Greeks having THREE goals disallowed in their first ever win at Wembley.England can’t really afford more failed experiments like Carsley’s against Greece with a Pot 1 World Cup 2026 qualifying spot almost certain.England’s 12 shots only added up to 0.86 expected goals (xG), with Bellingham’s 87th-minute equaliser their only shot on target in the second half.Should Carsley win all three of his remaining group matches, taking place on Sunday and in another double header next month, England would be guaranteed promotion, should Greece drop points against either the Republic of Ireland or Finland.Next up for the Three Lions is a meeting with Finland, who sit bottom of Group B2 after three games.READ MORE SUN STORIESBut England swallowed plenty of chances against Finland last month -before Harry Kane’s late double saw them win 2-0 at Wembley.Reports in Germany on Friday evening suggested the England are in talks with Thomas Tuchel over a permanent job as Three Lions boss.England player ratings vs GreeceBy Tom BarclayLEE CARSLEY’S tactical experiment of playing no strikers backfired as Vangelis Pavlidis’ double secured an emotional shock win for Greece at Wembley.Interim England boss Carsley played all three of our nation’s gifted No10s – Phil Foden, Jue Bellingham and Cole Palmer – in varying positions.But it did not work and the Greeks took a deserved lead thanks to Pavlidis’ belting second-half finish.The visitors then held up a shirt in celebration bearing the name Baldock – in reference to their team-mate George Baldock, whose passing at the age of just 31 on Wednesday rocked the world of football.Bellingham looked to have ensured the points were shared with a thunderous strike with three minutes to go.But there was still time for Pavlidis to expose some woeful defending deep into injury time by firing past Jordan Pickford.Here are SunSport’s player ratings from a dire night for England under the arch.Jordan Pickford: 4Wandered into no-man’s-land territory outside his box early on and lost the ball, allowing Greek skipper Tasos Baksetas a free shot at goal – only to be saved by Levi Colwill’s last-gasp clearance. Did not instil confidence, despite his experience.Trent Alexander-Arnold: 6Some tasty passes – they are his speciality, after all – but not great at the back. He, John Stones and Cole Palmer were weak in their attempt to close down Vangelis Pavlidis before the Benfica man smashed home the opener.John Stones: 5Made captain for what was his 82nd cap, surpassing Rio Ferdinand’s haul. But it was a shaky display from his defence and Stones should have done better to stop Pavlidis.Levi Colwill: 7Greece would have been ahead far sooner were it not for Colwill’s athletic hack away to deny Bakasetas. Replays showed it would have crossed the line had the Chelsea man been a split second later with his incredible intervention.Rico Lewis: 6Tried to bomb up the left flank where he could but, just like Kieran Trippier at the Euros, was hamstrung by constantly having to cut back onto his favoured right foot.Declan Rice: 6Played as England’s only holding midfielder, as fans had been imploring Gareth Southgate to use him for years. It was not like he was overrun but his side did look vulnerable on the counter.Phil Foden: 4Spent most of the game pressing the Greek backline as a false nine without really getting on the ball and causing any damage. Ineffective. Cole Palmer: 6Deployed in a deeper, central-midfield role which at least meant he saw plenty of the ball, though he blazed England’s best chance of the first half over the bar. Remarkably, his first competitive England start, despite being named on Tuesday as Three Lions player of the 2023-24 season. Bukayo Saka: 5Struggled to get into the game and then was forced out of it, worryingly limping off early in the second half. The last thing Arsenal fans wanted to see.Jude Bellingham: 7 STAR MANPlayed in a false nine position and had a belting early shot well saved. The system did not work but Bellingham still so nearly emerged as the saviour by banging in his first goal of the season for club and country.Anthony Gordon: 5Caused Greece few problems and his touch looked off it. Had a decent chance from Alexander-Arnold’s peach of a delivery but headed over.SUBS: Noni Madueke (for Saka 52): Played out on the left, rather than his natural right, when coming on. Went down in the box deep into injury time but no penalty was given. 6Ollie Watkins (for Gordon 60): Almost scored with his first touch when played through by Palmer, but smashed just over. 7Dominic Solanke (for Foden 72): Grabbed an assist when laying the ball back to Bellingham who thumped in the leveller. 7Manager Lee Carsley: 4Seemed to gamble unnecessarily with this experimental system instead of playing it safe to add another win to boost his case to earn the job full-time. Carsley played without a natural centre-forward when winning the Under-21 Euros because he had to after Flo Balogun switched the USA and Rhian Brewster got injured, but here he did it by choice and it did not work. Bellingham looked to have saved his bacon – but then Pavlidis struck again. More

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    German boss Thomas Tuchel ‘in negotiations’ over England job amid Man Utd links and is keen to replace Gareth Southgate

    THOMAS TUCHEL is in negotiations to become the next England manager, according to reports in Germany.Tuchel has been without a job since leaving Bayern Munich at the end of last season but has been strongly linked with replacing under-pressure Erik ten Hag at Manchester United.Thomas Tuchel is in talks to replace Gareth Southgate as England bossCredit: GettySouthgate left his position as Three Lions boss after Euro 2024Credit: RexLee Carsley has taken up the job on an interim basis but lost to Greece on ThursdayCredit: SplashIt would also be a boost for Erik ten Hag’s position at Man UtdCredit: GettyTuchel, 51, is the bookies’ favourite to be the next Red Devils boss.And he was spoken about as the preferred candidate for the job, should Ten Hag be axed, during SEVEN-HOUR crunch talks between co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe and United chiefs on Tuesday.However, in a bitter blow to Red Devils chiefs as they consider their options, Tuchel could now be set to replace Gareth Southgate instead.German outlet Bild report the ex-Chelsea boss is in negotiations to become the new manager of the Three Lions.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe would become only the third non-English boss of the national side – and the first German.Lee Carsley has stepped in as England boss on an interim basis since Southgate’s decision to quit in the wake of the Euro 2024 final loss to Spain.But the former midfielder suffered a potentially decisive blow to his aspirations of taking the job on full-time after an embarrassing 2-1 defeat to Greece on Thursday night.Speaking after the defeat – which followed victories in his first two games in charge – Carsley appeared resigned to not being handed the keys to the senior team for much longer.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe 50-year-old said: “I was surprised after the last camp [to hear], ‘The job’s mine, it’s mine to lose.'”My remit is I am doing three camps and then hopefully going back to the Under-21s…How would Southgate and Tuchel transform Man Utd flops and who is best for job?”I said at the start that I wouldn’t rule myself in or out.”And that’s still the case. I’m more than comfortable in my position where I am.”It is understood the FA are yet to formally interview new candidates for the job.The governing body insists it is undergoing a robust, ongoing and confidential process to appoint Southgate’s successor.Eddie Howe and Graham Potter have been linked with the role.Southgate vs Tuchel records comparedTHOMAS TUCHELAugsburg II 2007-2008P34 W 20 D8 L6 Win percentage: 58.82%Mainz 05 2009-2014P184 W72 D46 L66 Win percentage: 39.13%Borussia Dortmund 2015-2017P107 W67 D23 L17 Win percentage: 62.62%Honours: DFB Pokal Paris Saint Germain 2018-2020P127 W95 D13 L16 Win percentage: 74.8%Honours: Ligue 1 X2, Coupe de France, Coupe de la Ligue, Trophee des Champions x2Chelsea 2021-2022P100 W60 D24 L16 Win percentage: 60%Honours: Champions League, Super Cup, Club World CupBayern Munich 2023-2024P61 W37 D8 L16 Win percentage: 60.66%Honours: BundesligaGARETH SOUTHGATEMiddlesbrough 2006-2009P151 W54 D43 Win percentage: 35.76%England U21 2013-2016P37 W27 D5 L5 Win percentage: 72.97%Honours: Toulon tournamentEngland 2016-PresentP102 W61 D24 L17 Win percentage: 59.8%Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola was said to be top of their wish list for next summer.Tuchel has previously admitted he was open to the idea of international management.Speaking in 2022, he said: “Yeah, why not? I would, I would. I did not give too much thought to it until now.”But I would consider if it is the right team and if it has the potential to win trophies like the World Cup and the Euros.”READ MORE SUN STORIESAsked specifically about England, who then had Southgate in charge, he said: “I see where you are going. But I think England has a good coach right now.”The team is very strong and very talented… as for everything else, I will not comment.”England’s job advert for new bossThe FA’s seven requirements to succeed Gareth Southgate:Will hold a Uefa Pro License.Will have significant experience of English football, with a strong track record delivering results in the Premier League and/or leading international competitions.Will be an exceptional leader who understands and will enjoy the international football environment.Will be experienced in successfully identifying, managing and developing English qualified players.Will be highly resilient and comfortable in a very high-profile role with intense public scrutiny.Will have a track record of creating a high performing, positive team culture and environment.Will have strong personal values and integrity and understand and embrace the role that the England Men’s Senior Team Head Coach has inspiring the nation. More

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    Jurgen Klopp’s outrageous Red Bull salary revealed with ex-Liverpool chief earning more than 18 Premier League managers

    JURGEN KLOPP’S colossal salary at Red Bull has been revealed – and he’s set to earn more than EIGHTEEN Premier League managers.The former Liverpool boss signed a lucrative deal to become the Global Head of Soccer at Red Bull this week.Jurgen Klopp’s HUGE wages at his new Red Bull job have been revealedKlopp will oversee the management of RB Leipzig, Red Bull Salzburg, New York Red Bulls, two clubs in Brazil and a third-tier Japanese side.But, with such responsibility, comes eye-watering wages.In leaving Liverpool, Klopp temporarily waved good bye to an incredible £15m salary.But the German won’t be penny-pinching any time soon, as he earns between £8-10million in his new Red Bull role, according to Sky Sports journalist Florian Plettenberg.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSThis will see the 57-year-old bank more than 18 Prem bosses.In fact, only Mikel Arteta’s £10m and Pep Guardiola’s £20m at Manchester City beats Klopp’s reported wage.He is set to earn around the same as Aston Villa’s Unai Emery, who is collects £8m.Klopp will earn more than under-fire Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag, who bags £6.75m annually.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSBut Klopp reportedly netted £15m in his final years at Liverpool, making him the second highest paid boss in the Prem behind Pep.The former Dortmund manager has signed a long-term contract with Red Bull but will not begin in his new job until January 1 2025.Arne Slot aims dig at Jurgen Klopp as Liverpool boss says ‘I’m a stupid manager if 12.30pm kick offs are more difficult’ Klopp has been assured that he can exit this contract if there is a concrete offer that he wishes to pursue.The German had been enjoying his time off, stating that he didn’t want to take up a coaching role and needed a rest after making his decision at the start of the year.The position of the German national team head coach remains an option for him.Klopp has been linked to the Germany job in the past and has made no secret of his desire to become manager one day.In 2023 he said: “It’s not completely out of the question that I’ll be the national coach at some point.“But it has to fit. And so far it hasn’t. And if I end the contract in Liverpool, then nothing will definitely be done for a year.”The legendary Reds boss left Anfield after almost nine years in charge in May after announcing that he was “running out of energy”. More

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    Premier League champion and Champions League winner, 33, considering shock RETIREMENT after three months unemployed

    JOEL MATIP is considering a shock retirement from football aged just 33, according to reports.The Liverpool hero, who helped the club win the Premier League and Champions League, left Anfield in the summer.Joel Matip is said to be considering retirement from football after leaving LiverpoolCredit: AlamyHe formed a formidable defensive partnership with Virgil van Dijk at LiverpoolCredit: GettyEx-club Schalke and Hamburg had both been linked with a move for the centre-back, while Prem sides Bournemouth and Southampton also considered moves.However, the defender has ultimately been without a club since his Liverpool contract expired.And, after three months unemployed, he is now said to be considering a shock retirement from the beautiful game.According to German outlet Ruhr Nachrichten, Matip has personally ruled out a return to football.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLMatip also called it quits for the Cameroon national team back in 2015 at the age of just 24.He played 258 times for Schalke and 201 times for Liverpool.His exploits in Germany saw him land the German Cup and Super Cup.But it was in England where Matip managed to really flesh out his trophy cabinet under Jurgen Klopp – whose own next move to Red Bull was recently revealed after he left Liverpool.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSMatip – who formed a formidable partnership with Virgil van Dijk – helped the Reds win their first-ever Premier League title in 2020, while also landing the Champions League the year before.He also helped them to win the Uefa Super Cup, FA Cup, two League Cups and the Community Shield.XI amazing players worth £78m available for freePaying tribute to Matip after he left Liverpool, Klopp said: “In all the years that I have been involved in football, I am not sure I have come across too many players who are more loved than Joel Matip. “I’m not even sure it would be possible to say anything bad about him.“A wonderful professional, a wonderful footballer and a wonderful human being – we have been blessed to have him with us for as long as we have and now all we can do is wish him well as he heads off in a new direction.“Joel’s qualities as a player are there for all to see and as a club, we have benefited from them since the first moment that he joined. “I don’t think he has had too many headlines over the years but he has only ever been a very famous figure within our group.“I have said before that if there was one person who wouldn’t care if he was underrated it would be Joel, but the truth is we could not have rated him more highly. READ MORE SUN STORIES”Not only has he set the standards for himself, he has set them for others and this is one of the main reasons why his time here has been so successful.”Matip was named in SunSport’s stunning free agent XI worth £78million on transfer deadline day. More

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    Ten Hag has spent £100m trying to replace Maguire… but stats prove England ace is easily Man Utd’s best centre-back

    ERIK TEN HAG has forked out £100MILLION trying to replace Harry Maguire – but the stats prove he is still Manchester United’s best centre-back.Ten Hag ensured he was reunited with his ex-Ajax defenders as United chiefs paid £56.7m for Lisandro Martinez in 2022, before splashing £42.7m on Matthijs de Ligt this summer.Harry Maguire is United’s most in-form centre-backThis comes after Erik ten Hag has spent just shy of £100m on his replacementsLisandro Martinez was adored by fans in his first season – but has since fallen out of favourBut the data SunSport has gathered shows that Maguire is actually by far and away the most in-form centre-half at Old Trafford.After a solid debut season in Manchester, Maguire soon faced the wrath of fans, becoming a figure of fun for rivals and a soft touch for the experts after some questionable performances.The fact that the England ace – who arrived from Leicester for £80m – was automatically handed the club captaincy by Ole Gunnar Solkajaer didn’t help his case.He was soon stripped of the armband by Ten Hag in June 2023 – being replaced by Bruno Fernandes, after falling behind the first-choice pairing of Martinez and Raphael Varane.READ MORE ON MAN UTDAnd United even agreed to sell Maguire to West Ham last summer – before the former Sheffield United defender vowed to fight for his place.And he’s done just that, proving that he’s arguably still the best centre-back at Ten Hag’s disposal.In fact, Maguire has beaten Martinez and De Ligt in nine out of 13 stat categories recorded in all competitions so far this term.Maguire has won the most duels with 5.3 per 90 minutes, compared to Martinez’s 2.9 and De Ligt’s 4.8.Most read in FootballMatthijs de Ligt has failed to hit the mark after joining from Bayern this summerFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe England star also came out on top in interceptions won, possession won, and successful completed passes (61.81) per 90.And he’s level with De Ligt in terms of goals scored (one) and total shots, despite starting four matches in all competitions this term.Roy Keane blasts ‘don’t bloody say it you fool’ in furious rant at Eriksen after Man Utd star’s controversial comment Martinez comes out on top only in tackles made and won – which is synonymous with his “Butcher” reputation.The Argentine enjoyed an impressive debut season in 2022-23 but his form significantly dropped after recovering from surgery on his metatarsal bone last summer.Both Maguire and Martinez were in-and-out of the matchday squad last term, as United suffered an unprecedented number of defensive injuries and recorded a negative goal difference for the first time in Prem history.Maguire started the first two Prem games this season, but was dropped for a mistake during Danny Welbeck’s opener in their 2-1 defeat at Brighton.New signing De Ligt was brought in to start instead but has come under intense scrutiny for his own performances.Particularly in United’s 3-0 home defeat to Spurs and the 3-3 Porto game where the Red Devils again lost a 2-0 lead.Club legend Paul Scholes has frequently said: “I’m not convinced De Ligt is better than Maguire.”Maguire was brought on in the final 10 minutes in the Europa League in Portugal when United trailed 3-2 – before his headed winner saved Ten Hag’s job at the death.The 31-year-old and Jonny Evans were then trusted to start against Aston Villa, replacing De Ligt and Martinez – who many assumed would be the first-choice pairing going forward.READ MORE SUN STORIESBut Maguire faced yet another setback after suffering a fresh calf injury and left Villa Park in a protective boot, after he was replaced by De Ligt at half-time.People scoffed at Maguire starting against Unai Emery’s side but Ten Hag will see his temporary loss as a big one. More

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    Maresca becomes first Chelsea boss to be named Manager of the Month for THREE YEARS and one of his stars also honoured

    CHELSEA boss Enzo Maresca has been named the Premier League’s Manager of the Month for September.The 44-year-old led his new team to successive wins over Bournemouth, West Ham and Brighton last month.Enzo Maresca has been named the Premier League’s Manager of the MonthCredit: GettyChelsea Women manager Sonia Bompastor was also named WSL Manager of the MonthCredit: GettyHe also took a point from Crystal Palace at Stamford Bridge.Chelsea now sit fourth in the Premier League table with 14 points from seven games.And the club’s impressive form has seen Maresca take home the coveted Premier League Manager of the Month trophy.The Italian is the first Chelsea manager to win the award since Thomas Tuchel in 2021.Read More in FootballHe told the Premier League: “We had a very good month.”We all need people around us to make things better. I’m very grateful to have all of them.”We are always looking at new things and how we can improve from different football and different countries.”Chelsea midfielder Cole Palmer also won a Premier League award for September.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSCole Palmer has been named Player of the MonthCredit: AlamyHe was named Player of the Month after scoring five goals and assisting two.Palmer impressed fans after netting four against Brighton at the Amex Stadium.Cole Palmer labelled ‘aura personified’ as Chelsea ace stars in nine-minute Burberry ad without saying a wordHis season hit another positive note earlier this week when he was named England’s Player of the Year.Chelsea also enjoyed a successful start to the WSL season with new manager Sonia Bompastor.The former Lyon boss won both of her opening two games in England.She claimed the WSL Manager of the Month award this week as a result. More

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    I’m an ex-EFL boss… club owner kicked me up the backside for goading fans before running off to do same thing

    EFL legend Andy Hessenthaler has opened up on the craziest moments of his career.Hessenthaler, 59, starred for Watford, Hull and Gillingham during his playing career. Andy Hessenthaler has opened up on some of his stunning experiences from the EFLCredit: GettyAfter hanging up his boots in 2007 he then moved into coaching, and has managed Gillingham, Dover, Leyton Orient and Eastleigh.His experience across the football pyramid has churned up some remarkable stories, ranging from furious managers to wild owner antics.The icon lifted the lid on some of his experiences as part of SunSport’s “What the EFL series?”Best ever player?Kevin Phillips would be the standout player for me in the EFL because the amount of goals he scored and he had a fantastic career.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLMost annoying EFL fans?Got to be Millwall. (Laughing) Has to be.Maddest dressing room tale?Lindsay Parsons, bless him he’s passed away now. We was losing a game – I can’t remember who it was against – and he lost his head. He kicked the door and as he’s kicked the door his foot got stuck in the door. Everyone was trying to keep a straight face but he actually couldn’t get his foot out of the door.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSCraziest transfer story?I signed Paulo Gazzaniga from Valencia and we ended up, within a year once he got in to the team, we were selling him to Southampton.But the craziest thing for me was I got to Southampton with him and another agent turned up out of the blue. Ex-owner of Rangers Craig Whyte reveals HMRC top brass told him they should have struck a deal before club’s administration in 2012There were two agents saying they represented the lad so we couldn’t do the medical. Fortunately for the lad it went through and he signed for Southampton.Wildest owner antics?Old Leyton Orient chairman [Francesco Becchetti]. We were playing on boxing day against Portsmouth. We were losing the game, and the manager was getting a little bit of stick from the fans but at half-time the owner had come down and sat behind our dugout. I kept looking around, the subs were looking. I was like ‘what’s up with this guy? Has he been drinking? What’s happening?’ All he kept shouting was ‘Andy, Andy’. We won the game and the guys who were giving Ian [Hendon] the manager a little bit of abuse, I sort of cupped my ear a little bit, to say you’re not going to give him any stick now. And as I did that and we come out of the dugout and stood up somebody kicked me up the backside.READ MORE SUN STORIESI’ve turned round and it’s the owner, the next minute the owner just ran off down the side of the pitch, took his coat off, ran past the Orient fans clapping them, went over to the Portsmouth fans and started goading the Portsmouth fans. I couldn’t believe it, I’ve just been attacked by the owner.Leyton Orient chairman Francesco Becchetti and Andy Hessenthaler had a bizarre exchange on boxing day 2015Credit: Sky SportsBecchetti kicked Hassenthaler after a comeback win before goading rival fansCredit: Sky Sports More

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    George Baldock’s body flying back to UK ‘this weekend’ as cops rule out criminality in ex-Premier League star’s death

    GEORGE Baldock’s body is expected to fly back to the UK this weekend – with cops ruling out criminality in the ex-Premier League star’s tragic death.The defensive ace, 31, was found dead at his home in Athens on Wednesday night after drowning in his pool. George Baldock’s cause of death has been revealed as drowningCredit: RexBaldock’s body was pulled from his pool on WednesdayCredit: LNPEngland and Greece paid tribute to Baldock during last night’s Nations League clashBaldock played a key role in shutting out Kylian Mbappe and France last yearCredit: GettyRepatriation efforts are now underway and his body is due to return to the UK this weekend, sources say. “If the paperwork is ready, the repatriation can take place… that means by this weekend,” a source in Greece told The Sun.Greek police on Friday ruled out criminality saying all the evidence had pointed to an accident that had caused Baldock to drown.A police spokeswoman said: “From the evidence up to now, based on the coroner’s initial assessment of the body and the scene at the house, criminal action has been ruled out.Read more on football”It really does seem that this was an accident and case of drowning but we have to wait for the toxicological tests.”The Sun reported yesterday how tests could take “weeks, if not months” to confirm the exact nature of Baldock’s death.Baldock’s agent said she did not want to comment. The footballer’s fiance Annabel Dignam last night has paid a touching tribute to her “soulmate” and the “perfect dad”.Most read in FootballIn an Instagram post she wrote: “George, the love of my life, my soulmate. The perfect dad to our beautiful boy. “You completed me. You were my world and I know we were yours.Greece star’s classy gesture to tragic footballer George Baldock caught on live TV after shock win over England “You are here with me in Brody’s smile, giggle and infectious personality.”My world will never be the same but I will find a way for Brody. I promise.”I love you forever and always G. Your Neen. X”The post was followed by a loving snap of the couple together smiling.Baldock had moved to Panathinaikos FC at the start of this seasonCredit: RexBaldock’s heartbroken fiancee Annabel Dignam has paid a touching tributeCredit: Facebook/ Annabel DignamHis family also revealed the football star, who moved to Greece to play for Panathinaikos FC, was due to return to the UK on Thursday to celebrate his son’s birthday.A separate tribute hours earlier by his family described Baldock as the “most special person”.It continued: “You were the most special father, fiancee, son, brother, uncle, friend, teammate and person.”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.Baldock with his son Brody saying farewell to Sheffield United fans last seasonCredit: GettyGreece players holding up a Baldock shirt in memory at Wembley last nightCredit: PA”You were due to fly home today for us to celebrate his first birthday together, but instead we mourn your loss.”Annabel first raised the alarm after not hearing from her soon-to-be husband.After failing to track him down, she told the owner of the house in Glyfada to check the property.The full-back, who joined Athens side Panathinaikos from Sheffield United this summer, was found in the pool by his landlord who jumped over the fence to get into the home.The Greece international, who was born in Buckingham but qualifies for the team via his grandmother, was found wearing swimming trunks and was pulled out of the water by police.They tried to resuscitate him but sadly could not revive him.His family confirmed his cause of death as drowning.Cops said it would be ” several weeks, if not months” before the full autopsy and toxicology results were released.A half-empty bottle of vodka and two glasses were found next to the pool – with police initially investigating whether another person was present at the time.TRIBUTES POUR INOther heartfelt tributes have continued to be made for Baldock after his death was confirmed.Panathinaikos said: “We are shocked, we are shocked by the loss of our George.”The family of Panathinaikos mourns his untimely death. We stand with the family and loved ones of George Baldock.”Baldock played for his club side on Sunday during a 0-0 draw with fierce rivals Olympiacos.He played 75 minutes before being subbed off.The club have confirmed he last trained with them on Wednesday before driving home to his €15,000-a-month apartment.Former side Sheffield United also paid tribute saying: “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.”England and Greece stars also held a minutes silence ahead of their Nations League clash last night.Pundits on ITV paid tribute Baldock ahead of the game on live TV.Ian Wright said: “Terrible news, shocking news. You cannot help but think about his friends and family, I spoke to Karl Robinson [former MK Dons manager] last night who was devastated.”He was hard-working and strong minded, You always thought, the way he applied himself, he was always going to get to where he wanted to go in the Premier League.”I’m very sorry and all my condolences go to his family.”The Arsenal and England legend worked alongside Baldock during a coaching stint MK Dons, where the British-born Greece international graduated through the academy.READ MORE SUN STORIESManchester United and Republic of Ireland icon Roy Keane added: “They will be shocked. I remember him at Sheffield United. He had huge energy and was always up for a battle.”The players will react, be professional and go and put on a performance for him.”Dominating Mbappe, Premier League Iron Man, promotion hero: A tribute to George BaldockBy Kostas Lianos, Digital Sports ReporterIT was back in 2019 when Greece legend Vasilis Torosidis – the heir to Euro 2004 hero Giourkas Seitaridis – retired from international duty after 101 caps.A giant void was left behind at right-back, many talented players tried to step up – and none of them could fill those big boots.But, soon enough, I started to hear whispers about a Premier League ace with Greek heritage who’s a starter week-in and week-out…That was none other than George Baldock, born in Buckingham on March 9, 1993, to English parents but qualified for Greece through his grandmother.And what a season he was having. The right-back starred for Sheffield United as they surprised the Prem in the 2019-20 campaign – their first in 12 years – by finishing in the top half of the table.Baldock was among their standout players as he registered a staggering 3,420 minutes played – the joint highest along with the likes of Declan Rice and Virgil van Dijk.The defender was keen to make the big step to the international stage with his grandmother’s homeland – and it didn’t take long until he shook hands with the Greek football federation (EPO) chiefs.However, a long and arduous paperwork slog stood in the way – with the then Sheffield United star claiming Covid-19 and Brexit slowed things down.Greece finally got the right-back they were begging for for years as Baldock made his debut on June 2, 2022 in a Nations League clash at Northern Ireland as a late substitute.It didn’t take long until the English-born ace owned the right flank at the back and impressive performances followed.Perhaps none compare to the Euro 2024 qualifier against France in June 2023 when Baldock did the unthinkable and kept Kylian Mbappe quiet for 104 MINUTES, despite being injured and playing through “unimaginable” pain.I still remember speaking to then-Greece manager Gus Poyet about his player’s stunning performance, and I will never forget the big smile the Chelsea legend had on his face.Poyet reminded me of a proud father as he took me through the injury hell the full-back endured before squaring up against perhaps the world’s best player for his country.A beaming Poyet told me: “Against the Republic of Ireland [three days beforehand] – and now that it is finished I can say it – after 20 minutes he had a very bad twist in his ankle, very bad. He was very close to come out. I asked him, ‘Can you hold until half-time?'”At half-time his ankle was very, very swollen. He asked for a strapping and he asked me for five minutes. Give me five minutes and we’ll let you know. And he had an unbelievable second half running up and down and being outstanding.”You don’t imagine the ankle after the game. You don’t imagine the ankle the day after, after the flight to France. Black and blue – swollen. And a day-and-a-half later you need to play against Mbappe.”Ninety per cent of people will think, no chance. And I keep talking to him, individually. And he keeps saying to me, ‘Coach I’m gonna be there no worries’.”And he didn’t play 20 minutes, he didn’t play 60 minutes, he played 104 minutes because the referee gave 14 minutes of injury time against Mbappe.”It’s easy to understand how loyal Baldock was to every team he ever played for during his 15-year career, just by looking at his stats.The Greek ace started his career at MK Dons in 2009 where he amassed a staggering 125 appearances throughout an eight-year stint that also saw him playing on loan for Northampton Town, Tamworth, IBV and Oxford United.The defender joined Sheffield United in 2017 and registered a whopping 219 appearances in seven years that also saw him helping his team achieve two Premier League promotions.Baldock’s work ethic and commitment was no different in Greece as he proudly stated two years ago: “To play for the national side is a great honour and a lot of pride involved for me and my family.”Representing my country through my late grandmother, it’s a very proud moment for me and my family. I love the country and I will fight for every success”Baldock never played for England at any level, but he always competed like a lion and he proved it on Sunday in his last ever match when he started for Panathinaikos, whom he joined in the summer, against eternal rivals Olympiacos in perhaps the most intense derby in Europe.He served his team with honour as he helped them pick up a valuable point in a goalless draw against their in-form foes, who had just played their best game of the season with a 3-0 win over Braga in the Europa League a few days earlier.He only managed 12 caps for Greece before his sudden and tragic death at the age of 31 on Wednesday in Athens.But his fighting spirit and charisma at right-back with the white and blue, as well as his remarkable run in the Premier League and the Championship, show that he is leaving a legacy behind for many Greek and English fans to look up to.Tributes outside Bramall Lane to former Sheffield United player BaldockCredit: PA More