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      England 1-2 Greece LIVE RESULT: Disaster for woeful Three Lions as Pavlidis seals win with last-gasp strike at Wembley

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      ENGLAND have been STUNNED at Wembley after being beaten by a courageous Greece side for the first time in their entire history.Pavlidis’ delightful double fired the visitors to an incredible win over the Three Lions.Not even Jude Bellingham’s 20-yard strike could save Lee Carsley’s woeful side from such a humiliating defeat.RESULT: England 1-2 GreeceTV channel: ITV 1Live stream: ITV XEngland XI: Pickford; Alexander-Arnold, Stones, Colwill, Lewis; Rice, Bellingham; Saka, Foden, Palmer; GordonGreece XI: Vlachodimos; Rota, Mavropanos, Koulierakis, Giannoulis; Koubelis, Siopis, Masouras, Bakasetas Tzolis; PavlidisFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSFollow ALL the action from Wembley with our live blog below…Will to winDespite the bruising loss, Chelsea’s Levi Colwill came out of the game with plenty of plaudits after a stunning goal-line clearance.With the game locked at 0-0, the 21-year-old somehow prevented a shot from Anastasios Bakasetas going into an empty net after a Jordan Pickford error. Watch the incredible clearance here. Copy linkCopiedRemembering GeorgeIt was an emotional night at Wembley as fans and players came together to remember George Baldock. The Greek international died earlier this week after being found to have drowned in his swimming pool at his home in Athens.Following a minute’s silence before the game, Greek scorer Vangelis Pavlidis dedicated his brace to his teammate.Pavlidis said: “It was a really special game for us. Because of George.”We gave everything for him and his family. It is a great win but its a special night for him.”He has been in our thoughts. He was part of the team and was a special guy.”Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedSunSport’s ratingsEngland’s post-game ratings are in – and it’s not happy reading. One player impressed at the back despite a horror show defensively, while it was another poor night for Phil Foden.Click here to see SunSport’s full run-down from Wembley. Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedCarsley’s futureLee Carsley remains the bookies’ overwhelming favourite to take over the Three Lions job full-time.Asked about his future following the game, he said: “It doesn’t change [the situation]. “My remit is [take] the three camps, so it doesn’t change in that respect.”Copy linkCopiedSystem woesCarsley has been challenged on the False 9 system he employed during tonight’s loss.The interim boss opted for no striker in the starting XI, before bringing Ollie Watkins and Dominic Solanke off the bench.Incredibly, he appeared to suggest the players had spent just “20 minutes” working on the system. He told ITV: “With the quality that we’ve got, all the goals tonight were from mistakes. Even at 1-1, we were quite fortunate.”[On the formation] it’s definitely an option. We tried something tonight and we’ve got to have that ability and courage to do that.”Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedCarsley fronts upEngland boss Lee Carsley has just spoken for the first time after tonight’s 2-1 loss.”I think we were second best for a lot of tonight.”It is disappointing. We need to respond well against Finland.”We tried something different. We tried to overload the midfield, play a bit differently.”I think it’s unrealistic to expect too much. It’s a case of just trying again.”Copy linkCopiedAngry RoyMan Utd legend Roy Keane couldn’t believe what he was seeing as the Three Lions went behind at Wembley. Four England defenders surrounded Pavlidis, but nobody could get a tackle in to prevent the shot. Keane raged on ITV: “It’s an unbelievable goal to concede.”If this happened in training, you’d stop the training and ask ‘Are you taking this seriously?'”You have got to do the basics of football. Where was the urgency?”Credit: APCopy linkCopiedStones speaksEngland’s stand-in captain John Stones is fronting up to the media first.He told ITV: “It’s hard to put into words. We prepared how we usually do, it didn’t come off.”We have to give credit to them. From the start they put us under pressure. They were very compact.”Disappointing from us. A lot was riding on tonight for me personally. We’ve got to look back on this game and move forward.”Copy linkCopiedEngland 1-2 GreeceWhat a fantastic performance from the visitors.They rode on a wave of emotion from the first whistle and had the ball in the England net FIVE times. All this without their first-choice striker. Credit: ReutersCopy linkCopiedFULL TIME: ENGLAND 1-2 GREECEThe Three Lions are beaten at Wembley. Players sink to their knees.Not even Bellingham could rescue England this time. Copy linkCopiedEngland 1-2 Greece90+7. We’re still playing at Wembley.VAR did check that penalty, but nothing given. Pavlidis is down with a head injury. Lee Carsley has a very different kind of headache. This has been a tough watch. Copy linkCopiedEngland 1-2 Greece90+5. Desperate calls for a penalty as Solanke goes down in the box!Nothing given…. Copy linkCopiedEngland 1-2 Greece90+4. A defensive horror show as England fail to clear their lines. Pavlidis has been a thorn in their side all night.And there he is, at the right place at the right time. He smashes it into the bottom corner past a stricken Pickford.Carsley sinks to his knees on the touchline. Copy linkCopiedGOAL! Greece – Vangelis PavlidisFootball, eh? And this is fully deserved. Copy linkCopiedEngland 1-1 Greece90+2. Calls for a back pass as Koulierakis awkwardly plays it back to his keeper. The ref having none of it.England attempt to get things going again, but Greece slow it down with niggly fouls. Pelkas the latest in the book. Copy linkCopiedEngland 1-1 Greece90. Neither team are finished here.What a crazy last few minutes. Greece looked to have sealed a famous win, only to be denied by the linesman’s flag. Seconds later, Bellingham has leveled it up. We will have 5 minutes of added time.Credit: PACopy linkCopiedEngland 1-1 Greece88. Who else?Bellingham does it again with time running out.A pull back is missed by everyone, falling to the Madrid man on the edge of the box.He hammers it towards the far corner, beating Vlachodimos. Copy linkCopiedGOAL! England – Jude BellinghamHave England just avoided their first competitive defeat at Wembley in four years?Copy linkCopiedEngland 0-1 Greece85. So unlucky for Greece.They exploited England’s weakness at the back again, breaking at pace after sloppy distribution from Pickford. Pavlidis was there to turn it home, but he was just in front of Stones.That’s four times Greece have had the ball in the England net tonight. Copy linkCopiedEngland 0-1 Greece84. NO GOAL!For a third time tonight, Greece have a goal ruled out.Pavlidis just strayed off before tapping past Pickford. Copy linkCopiedGOAL! Greece – Vangelis PavlidisGame over? Copy linkCopiedEngland 0-1 Greece80. A crazy goalline scramble, but Greece hold on.No England player can get a good connection on the ball, with Watkins closest. Still just one shot on target for the Three Lions. They’ve created very little in this second half. Copy linkCopiedEngland 0-1 Greece78. England load players in the box. Trent with the cross to the far post, but it floats harmlessly out for a goal kick. Greece still a threat on the counter, but they’re getting deeper and deeper. Credit: ReutersCopy linkCopiedEngland 0-1 Greece76. Great run from Madueke, but four Greek players manage to halt his progress into the box. England camped in the Greece half and looking to force a leveller in the last 15.Copy linkCopiedEngland 0-1 Greece73. Half a chance for Bellingham, but he picks the wrong option.The Madrid man tries to lob the keeper, only to see his shot land miles wide. Watkins was free in the middle. England rolling the dice again. Here comes Dominic Solanke – back for his first cap since November 2017. He replaces Phil Foden. Copy linkCopied More

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      Former Brighton Premier League wonderkid Aaron Connolly bravely reveals all about alcohol addiction and treatment

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      EX-PREMIER LEAGUE wonderkid Aaron Connolly has bravely revealed his alcohol addiction fight.The Irish international forward, 24, completed a free transfer to Championship promotion chasers Sunderland last month as he looks to resurrect his career.Sunderland’s new signing Aaron Connolly has bravely revealed all about his alcohol addictionCredit: AlamyConnolly famously burst on the scene in the top-flight aged 19 at Brighton with a brace against Tottenham.He left the Amex – following disappointing loan spells at Luton, Middlesbrough and Italian side Venezia – four years later having featured more on the gossip pages than sport ones.Connolly did score eight times for Hull City last term but that was not enough to stop him from getting released.Now he has decided to tell his story to coincide with World Mental Health Day on Sunderland’s website.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLConnolly had left home for the South Coast aged 16 but he says everything changed after that day against Spurs.He said: “I remember it – 5th of October, 2019, it was a 12.30 kick-off. I’m never going to forget that day. It was one of the best days of my life, but also one of the worst because the following five years was from that.“I just stopped working, stopped doing the things I should have kept doing. I started to believe the hype, and I just didn’t turn into a good person after that. I was tough to be around.“I didn’t know how to deal with it, if I’m being honest. My parents tried, but they weren’t living with me. I was living with my ex-girlfriend at the time, and it’s hard because I didn’t ever feel like I had that authoritative figure to keep me grounded.Most read in ChampionshipIf you are affected by any of the issues raised in this article, please call the Samaritans for free on 116123.“My parents did try, but I just let myself believe everything people were saying online and it just took over. I always say to my parents, I started to live the life of a footballer without the football side of it.“That was the hardest thing to admit at the time, that I wasn’t doing all the things that had got me to the position where I could go and get my house and treat my family, and do all that sort of stuff.Brits are more likely to open up at the pub or on a walk than on the phone or over text, study finds“It hurts to look back and speak about it because I know if I had done everything right, maybe I would still be in the Premier League. Maybe I wouldn’t, but at least I’d know I’d given it all I could to try to stay at that level.”Connolly explained how both his on and off-field life began to spiral as alcohol became a bigger and bigger problem.He said: “It was obvious I had a problem with alcohol for a good few years.“I had my parents, who never drank before and were always telling me when I was younger to stay away from alcohol. That was always their thing because of addiction to alcohol in my family.“I didn’t listen, clearly. It got me into a lot of trouble and a lot of problems, and it just became something that I relied on.”It felt like my buzz used to come from football, and winning games and scoring goals, and it got to a point where the buzz was more from drinking alcohol than going out on a football pitch.“I used to look forward to the games finishing so I could have time to go and have a drink and socialise.”I say socialise, but it was just an excuse to go and get drunk, to go straight to alcohol, and that was where I got my buzz from, whereas before, it was always the buzz of football and being around an environment like I am now.”For three or four years, that just wasn’t there.”The star burst on the scene with two goals against Tottenham in 2019Credit: ReutersConnolly managed to rediscover some form at Hull despite his “life being a mess” but he finally realised he needed to take drastic action after he was released in June by the Tigers.He explained: “I couldn’t do it, I couldn’t live the way I was living. It was killing people round me, to be honest. My family, my friends. Mainly, it was killing me, really.“I had one of my best seasons last year at Hull, but off the pitch, my life was a mess. The manager at Hull, to be fair, always looked after me, and always tried to help.”But it just got to a point where, it wasn’t like life wasn’t worth living, it wasn’t a big dramatic thing, but it was just that my life was so unmanageable and I couldn’t control what I could do and couldn’t control my alcohol.“It just got to a point where I had to make a decision where I needed to go to a treatment clinic, and I spent a month there in the summer.”I just said to my agent, ‘I don’t want you to contact any clubs. I’m not doing this for football, I’m doing this so I can get my life back, and if stuff in football comes with that, then that’s a bonus’.“It wasn’t even the football that was taking the biggest battering in the end, it was my life, my relationships, my friends. Everything was just failing and falling apart.”When your parents are calling you and you’re not answering calls because you know you’re breaking their hearts, it’s time to realise that you’ve got a problem.”Now after sealing himself an opportunity at Sunderland, Connolly wants to tell his story in the hope that it might help at least one other person struggling.He added: “It’s an addiction, and the toughest thing I ever had to do was go in there. The PFA helped me pay for my treatment, and I know some people might not be able to afford it, but it’s important to know it’s not just park bench, vodka bottle. Anybody can get affected by it.READ MORE SUN STORIES“There’s no price tag or no amount of money in the world that can cure it. It’s a disease, an illness. But going to the clinic was the best and worst month of my life.“I just hope this might help people. I had everything every young boy would dream, but I couldn’t get hold of my addiction without that help.”The Irish ace was released by Hull City in the summer and decided to check into rehabCredit: PA More

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      Watch Levi Colwill make ‘one of the greatest goal line clearances ever’ with miracle recovery for England vs Greece

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      LEVI COLWILL spared Jordan Pickford’s blushes by making a sensational goal line clearance.The Chelsea star was named in Lee Carsley’s starting XI as England took on Greece at Wembley.Levi Colwill produced a sensational goal line clearanceCredit: ITVColwill’s brilliant clearance kept the score levelCredit: RexThe Chelsea star was immediately congratulated by Jordan PickfordCredit: RexWithin the first 10 minutes he was forced to strain every sinew in order to keep the score-line level.Three Lions No1 Pickford came racing out of his goal to intercept a Greek long ball.After doing so, the Everton star dawdled in possession.In a nightmare moment for the experienced stopper, Pickford miscontrolled, gifting the ball to Greece star Anastasios Bakasetas.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe Greek skipper lofted the ball towards the unguarded net, and looked almost certain to have scored.But Colwill went haring after it, before showing supreme athleticism to somehow keep the ball out.Replays showed that the ball had been just inches from crossing the line.And fans were left in awe of Colwill’s amazing clearance.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSOne wrote on social media: “Clearance of the year.”While a second posted: “Honestly thought no chance he makes it!”New dad Jack Grealish reveals why he would never ask Bukayo Saka to babysit and which England pal he’ll go to for tipsA third commented: “Levi Colwill just pulled off a goal-line clearance that defied physics.”And another added: “One of the best goal-line clearances you will ever see!”Colwill was earning just his fourth England cap, having featured just once under Gareth Southgate.He lined up at the back alongside John Stones, with Trent Alexander-Arnold and Rico Lewis at full-back.Carsley fielded Declan Rice ahead of the back four in midfield, with attacking stars Jude Bellingham, Anthony Gordon, Bukayo Saka, Cole Palmer and Phil Foden all squeezed into a line-up featuring no traditional No9.Just moments after Colwill’s clearance, Greece had the ball in the net.West Ham star Konstantinos Mavropanos headed the ball beyond Pickford following more unconvincing work from the England goalkeeper, only for the offside flag to come to the Three Lions’ rescue.There would be no reprieve in the 49th minute, however, when Greece took the lead via Vangelis Pavlidis.READ MORE SUN STORIESThings then went from bad to worse for the Three Lions moments later, with Bukayo Saka limping off with an injury.Jude Bellingham appeared to have rescued England with a late strike but Pavlidis struck again injury time to seal Greece’s first ever win in ten attempts against the Three Lions.Pickford, 30, endured a night to forget at WembleyCredit: Getty More

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      Arsenal suffer major injury blow as Bukayo Saka limps off for England just minutes into second half against Greece

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      ARSENAL suffered a major blow as Bukayo Saka was forced off with injury just six minutes into the second half of England’s clash with Greece this evening.After feeling an issue, the winger limped off and was replaced by Noni Madueke.Bukayo Saka was forced off with an injuryCredit: GettyThe Arsenal star went down after Greece’s opening goalCredit: GettyAnthony Gordon consoles his Three Lions team-mateCredit: GettyPrior to Saka being replaced, Greece had just taken the lead via Vangelis Pavlidis.It appeared that the Arsenal talisman, 23, sustained his injury in the build-up to Greece’s goal.As Greek stars celebrated going in front, Saka sat down on the turf.He was subsequently treated by physios, before limping off.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnthony Gordon looked to console his Three Lions team-mate as he made his way off for Madueke.Saka was one of several attacking players included in caretaker boss Lee Carsley’s starting line-up.Also in the XI were Jude Bellingham, Cole Palmer, Phil Foden and Gordon – with Carsley opting not to start a traditional No9.Prior to half-time, Saka received a yellow card.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSSaka was replaced by Noni Madueke in the 51st minuteCredit: ITVThe Arsenal star was shown a yellow card in the first halfCredit: RexThe Gunners winger committed a cynical foul as Greece looked to counter, and was punished accordingly.Saka isn’t the first Arsenal player to suffer an injury on international duty this season.Ecstatic Arsenal fans say ‘my captain is BACK’ as Martin Odegaard shares workout video in huge boost following injuryLast month, Gunners skipper Martin Odegaard went off in tears after sustaining an ankle issue while playing for Norway against Austria.He has since missed games against Tottenham, Manchester City, Leicester and Southampton – as well as Champions League match-ups with Atalanta and Paris Saint-Germain.Odegaard, 25, recently shared footage of himself stepping up his recovery.But his return date is not yet known.Martin Odegaard has been attempting to step up his recoveryCredit: Instagram @odegaard.98 More

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      Love rat Kyle Walker’s wife Annie Kilner fires first warning shot of divorce after secretly meeting with lawyers

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      LOVE rat England ace Kyle Walker’s wife has fired the first warning shot of a divorce.Annie Kilner secretly met with lawyers to discuss legal proceedings to end the troubled marriage.Kyle Walker’s wife Annie Kilner has fired the first warning shot of a divorceCredit: XposureThe love rat’s wife has secretly met with lawyers to discuss legal proceedingsCredit: Refer to CaptionThe England ace fathered a second child with former mistress Lauryn Goodman, seen above with his sonCredit: SplashThe model, 31, who was not at Wembley last night as Walker started on the bench for England against Greece, vowed to see it through. She wants half of his £27million fortune.Friends said the Manchester City captain, 34, had spent weeks trying to persuade her not to end their marriage.Sources said no final decision had yet been taken but discussions about divorce are “actively” taking place.One said: “Annie is prepared to go through with it.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“She isn’t messing about and has spoken to lawyers about what the future looks like.“Divorce has been an ever-present threat all year but things are starting to come to a head.“She doesn’t have to go through with it, of course, but it’s always there as an option.”Annie was left reeling after the defender was exposed for fathering a second child with former mistress Lauryn Goodman.Most read in FootballThe couple, who have four children, separated at Christmas after influencer Lauryn revealed the truth in a text message — and they have been battling to save their relationship since.Kyle and Annie met in Sheffield as teenagers and married in 2021 — despite repeated sex scandals after his £50million move to City from Spurs in 2017.Kyle Walker’s furious wife Annie ‘will only give their troubled marriage another go if he pays her HALF his fortune’Lauryn, 34, said the multi-millionaire footballer, 33, told First, Ex on the Beach TV reality star Laura Brown said she and Kyle repeatedly romped in his Bentley. Annie kicked him out of their Cheshire home but they got back together.She gave him the boot again when he revealed Lauryn was having his baby son.He moved into a flat nearby — and was caught breaching lockdown rules in an orgy with two hookers.However, the couple got back together again and Kyle proposed. But less than a year after they wed, he cheated with Lauryn again and she got pregnant a second timeDivorce has been an ever-present threat all year but things are starting to come to a headA sourceAnnie, who was heavily pregnant at the time with her and Kyle’s fourth child, announced their latest split after finding out.She has demanded half his fortune as part of a “financial divorce” to secure her and the kids’ future. A spokeswoman for Kyle and Annie declined to comment.Friends said Walker spent weeks trying to persuade her not to end their troubled marriageCredit: Rex More

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      Real Madrid in dispute with neighbours amid claims their stadium is operating without a licence to show FOOTBALL

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      REAL MADRID have allegedly been holding FOOTBALL matches at the Bernabeu with an expired licence, according to furious residents.Los Blancos have been locked in ongoing rows with a local group called the ‘Residents’ Association of People Affected by the Bernabeu’ for many years.Real Madrid’s ongoing dispute with its Bernabeu neighbours has taken a fresh turnAfter the residents group have claimed that the stadium does not have a licence to hold frequent concertsThe residents group’s latest claim is that both football matches and music concerts have been held at the Bernabeu Stadium without a valid licence.The association claims that they have found evidence that the current licence expired in 2001, according to Spanish outlet El Confidencial.It claims that members of the group came across the small print when they requested a copy of the licence during their legal battle with the LaLiga giants.But Real Madrid adamantly deny all allegations.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSA section of angry residents have also claimed that the Bernabeu should only be holding sporting fixtures and the odd “extraordinary event”, according to the the Madrid City Council.Group spokesperson Jose Manuel Paredes told The Times that “extraordinary events” do not include showing frequent concerts.The Association’s complaint has reportedly been presented to a judge, according to El Pais.The group also argue that in order for Madrid to have a valid licence, both the stadium and the exterior development work must be finished – which it is not.Most read in FootballConstruction work continues at the BernabeuCredit: AFPFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe Bernabeu has entered the final stages of its £843million, five-year reconstruction.But the iconic European venue hosted a string of high-profile concerts over the spring and summer.Real Madrid’s iconic stadium looks unrecognisable with underground greenhouse below pitchRecent headliners have included Taylor Swift, Luis Miguel and Colombian star Karol G.This comes after Madrid were forced to postpone all concerts at the Bernabeu to comply with the capital city’s noise regulations.The group reportedly requested a copy of the licence on four occasions before receiving a response.Residents have also lodged complaints about the noise from the ongoing construction which started in 2019.Angry residents of apartment buildings near the stadium have put up banners on their balconies that read: “NO concerts.”The stadium has gone from hosting some 35 events per year before the refurbishment to planning more than 300.A club statement read: “Real Madrid has, and has always had, the corresponding municipal licence for activity and operation, which fully covers the holding of sporting events at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium.”Furthermore, it is absolutely untrue that Real Madrid carries out or has carried out its sporting activity under an expired licence.”Nor is it true that this licence has been used by third parties misleadingly before any public administration.”The concerts that have been held at the Bernabeu do not require the granting of a municipal licence.”READ MORE SUN STORIESSunSport has reached out to Real Madrid for comment.Football matches returned to the Bernabeu in September, after Real Madrid were forced to play at the nearby Estadio Alfredo Di Stefano ground for 18 months.Plans unveiled a swanky new bar for fansCredit: room 1804 Design More

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      Lee Carsley unleashes tactic never seen before in England history vs Greece as fans say ‘Southgate would never’

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      LEE CARSLEY unleashed a never-before seen tactic during England’s match against Greece.The Three Lions faced off against Greece at Wembley in the Uefa Nations League.Lee Carsley went for a bold new look tactic for England vs GreeceCredit: AlamyThe Three Lions played with a set of attacking midfielders rather than a recognised strikerRoy Keane said Ollie Watkins will have been left fuming at the decisionCredit: AFPHowever, with captain Harry Kane rested as a precaution following a knock he received with Bayern Munich, Carsley opted to go bold with his selection.Rather than simply replace Kane with one of Ollie Watkins or Dominic Solanke in the line-up, Carsley went for a team filled with talented attacking midfielders.Jude Bellingham, Cole Palmer and Phil Foden were asked to be the team’s main attacking force down the middle, while Bukayo Saka and Anthony Gordon provided the width.And in a shock twist, ITV’s chief statistician, “King Joel”, could not find another example where England had played without a recognised centre-forward.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLRoy Keane and Ian Wright were baffled by the exclusion of Aston Villa ace Watkins, with Keane saying “he will be fuming”.Wright added he was “disappointed for Ollie Watkins”, given it would have been a strong chance for him to try and stake a claim to start.Taking to social media, fans had a mixed reaction to the bold new tactic.One user said: “Exciting, innovative, Barcelona did something similar when [Cesc] Fabregas tended to be their furthest man forward.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSA second said: “Agree, Watkins won’t be happy. Foden barely played this season, odd move by Carsley.”A third said: “Feel this is another manager sacrificing balance just to accommodate players it can be OK if we bench players no matter who they play for.”Lee Carsley welcomes back Cole Palmer to the England team Another said: “A team packed full of wingers and No10s but no striker. That could be a fun watch.”A fifth added: “We’ve gone from one clown to another it seems! No striker in the 11 but two sitting on the bench.”A sixth said: “All out attack. [Gareth] Southgate would never.”However, the experiment backfired as Vangelis Pavlidis’ double saw Carsley’s side fall to a 2-1 defeat.A tribute was also paid to the late George Baldock, who died at the age of 31 earlier this week. More

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      Ian Wright and Roy Keane pay tribute to George Baldock on ITV as Arsenal legend opens up on working with tragic star

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      IAN WRIGHT and Roy Keane paid an emotional tribute to George Baldock live on ITV ahead of England’s match against Greece.Former Sheffield United star Baldock was tragically found dead aged 31 in his swimming pool at his home in Glyfada, Athens yesterday.George Baldock was yesterday found dead at his Athens homeCredit: AFPThe ITV panel paid tribute to BaldockCredit: ITVIan Wright worked with Baldock at MK DonsCredit: ITVRoy Keane also spoke about the late star’s tragic passingCredit: ITVBuckingham-born Baldock qualified to play for Greece via his grandmother, and earned 12 caps for them after debuting in 2022.Ahead of Thursday’s game between England and Greece at Wembley, Wright and Keane had words of respect for the late former full-back.Wright, 60, worked with Baldock while working as a first-team coach at MK Dons under Karl Robinson.On Baldock’s tragic death, Wright said: “Terrible news, shocking news. In this time you cannot help but think about his friends and family, family obviously.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”It was devastating news. I spoke to Karl Robinson last night, he was devastated.”Asked what sort of character Baldock was, Wright said: “Hard-working, determined.”Obviously like you mentioned it was down at MK Dons and he was somebody you always thought, the way he applied himself, he was probably going to go to where he wanted to get to, the Premier League.”And he did. Like I say, I’m very sorry and all my condolences go to his family.”Most read in FootballGreece stars hold up Baldock’s No2 shirt in tributeCredit: PAWembley mourned Baldock ahead of kick-offCredit: PABaldock played for Sheffield United for seven years before joining Greek side Panathinaikos in the summer.He featured for the Athens side against Olympiakos on Sunday.George Baldock cops probe if ANOTHER person was involved in star’s death after finding pool cluesOn how hard it would be for England and Greece stars that knew Baldock, Keane added: “It will be. It’ll be a big shock to the players of course.”I remember watching a lot of him at Sheffield United, very tenacious, played with huge energy and was always up for a battle.”But the players will have to react, they’re professional. And they’ll have to go out and try to put on a good performance for him.”George Baldock career statsGeorge Baldock has tragically died aged 312009-2017 – MK Dons 125 games (2 goals)2011 – Tamworth (loan) 3 (0)2012 – IBV (loan) 18 (1)2012 – Tamworth (loan) 15 (1)2015-16 – Oxford United (loan) 47 (3)2017-2024 – Sheffield United 219 (6)2024 – Panathinaikos 4 (0)Ahead of the game, players and fans took part in a minute’s silence at Wembley.A request from Greece for both teams to wear black armbands in Baldock’s honour was granted by Uefa.The former Blades star had played for Greece as recently as March.According to Greek media, Baldock was found by the owner of his property after his wife, still based in England, had raised an alarm having being unable to contact him.He was later found dead, with an initial autopsy confirming he had drowned.Several prominent figures within football have paid tribute to Baldock, including Harry Maguire and Dele Alli, as well as his former clubs.’HEARTBROKEN’His family also released a statement, which read: “We are heartbroken with the sudden passing of our beloved George.”You were the most special father, fiance, 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.READ MORE SUN STORIES”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.”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. More