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    Will Greece and England players wear black armbands during the Nations League game?

    GREECE and England players will be wearing black armbands tonight in tribute after the tragic death of George Baldock.The former Sheffield United star, 31, was found dead in a swimming pool in Athens on Wednesday night with his family left “in shock at this terrible loss”.Greece and England players will wear black armbands in tribute to George Baldock, who sadly died on WednesdayCredit: RexAlthough born in Buckingham, Baldock was a Greece international who won 12 caps having qualified through his maternal grandmother.The Three Lions are hosting Greece at Wembley Stadium in a Nations League match.Wembley Stadium will hold a minute’s silence for Baldock, who only joined Panathinaikos in the summer.A statement from the Football Association read: “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.”The FA will also hold a tribute for Kick It Out founder Lord Herman Ouseley, which had been planned following his death on October 2.Baldock was not in this international squad having only just recently returned from injury, but SunSport understands that he was a very well liked member of the national team.Baldock won 12 caps for GreeceCredit: GettyHis wife, who lives in England, raised the alarm having grown worried at being unable to contact him.She is said to have informed the owner of the house in Glyfada, Athens, to go there and check on him.Most read in FootballSadly, Baldock was pronounced dead by a response unit who are reported to believe he had been in the water for a number of hours.Police are now investigating his death and were pictured outside his home later in the evening.A statement from his family read: “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.”While club Panathinaikos added: “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.”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)He had started the last two Panathinaikos games after missing six matches in August and September because of an injury.Baldock won the last of his 12 international caps in March in the 4-2 penalty defeat to Georgia that saw the side fail to qualify for Euro 2024.Baldock played 219 games for Sheffield United between 2017 and 2024, twice helping the Blades win promotion and playing in three Premier League campaigns.Former side Sheffield United also paid tribute to Baldock in a statement that 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.”He came through the MK Dons academy, playing 125 senior matches, and also had loan spells at Northampton Town and Oxford United.Baldock’s older brother Sam, 35, was also a professional footballer who played for West Ham and Brighton, among others.Manchester United star Harry Maguire paid tribute by posting a picture of Baldock on his Instagram page with a broken heart emoji.Why did George Baldock play for Greece?George Baldock qualified for Greece through his maternal grandmother and was first mooted for a call-up in 2019.He didn’t make his debut until 2022 – with Covid-19 and Brexit reportedly slowing the move.After making his first squad, he said: “It is a real honour to represent Greece.”This is a proud moment, not just for me, but for my entire family.READ MORE SUN STORIES”It has been a possibility for a while, so I’m happy now to be in a position where I am available to play. “It is an exciting time ahead.” More

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    George Baldock to be honoured at Wembley with Greece and England to wear black armbands after his death aged 31

    GREECE and England will wear black armbands for tonight’s match in tribute to George Baldock following his shock death.The Three Lions host Ivan Jovanovic’s side at Wembley in the Nations League just 24 hours after the defender died. Greece and England’s players will wear black armbands in memory of George BaldockCredit: GettyThe 31-year-old tragically died on WednesdayCredit: RexHe was found in a swimming pool at his home in AthensCredit: LNPEmergency services attended the scene but were unable to save himCredit: AthenaAnd both sides will pay their respects to Baldock, who passed away aged 31.As well as the black armbands, a period of silence will be observed before kick-off while Wembley will also celebrate the life of Kick It Out founder Lord Herman Ouseley. A minute’s silence is also set to be held before Sunday’s home game with Ireland at the Karaiskakis Stadium.Baldock – born in Buckinghamshire – earned 12 caps for Greece’s national team thanks to eligibility through his grandmother.READ MORE ON GEORGE BALDOCKThe full-back tragically died on Wednesday at his villa in Athens, where he was found at around 10.30pm local time in a swimming pool. Police were unable to resuscitate Baldock at the scene and his death was confirmed as investigations continue.The former Sheffield United star spent seven seasons at Bramall Lane before joining Super League Greece outfit Panathinaikos over the summer. He featured in Sunday’s 0-0 draw with rivals Olympiacos but was not picked in the Greece squad for this week’s October internationals and missed the September matches through injury. Most read in FootballBaldock’s wife – who lives in England – raised the alarm on Wednesday when she struggled to contact him.She then informed the owner of the house in Glyfada, southern Athens, to check the property. Greece boss Poyet reveals Sheff Utd ace Baldock played through ‘unimaginable’ injury when he silenced France’s MbappeA heartbreaking family statement said: “We can confirm that George has sadly passed away. “As a family we are in shock at this terrible loss.”The Greece national team added: “With profound sadness and sorrow, the national team and the Greek Football Federation bid farewell to George Baldock.”There are no words to describe the human pain caused by the news of the unexpected loss of one of our own young men. “The moment forces silence. Condolences to his family. Condolences from his second family.”Footballers also posted their condolences on social media, including fellow ex-Blades man Harry Maguire.The Manchester United defender shared a photo of Baldock and added a broken heart emoji.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)Baldock graduated from MK Dons’ youth set-up and had loans with Oxford United, Tamworth and Northampton Town before making his name with Sheffield United.He starred for the Yorkshire side between 2017 and 2024, making 219 appearances and earning the nickname Furious George due to his aggressive all-action style.Baldock helped Sheffield United to two promotions to the Premier League and even a top-half finish in the Covid-hit 2019-20 season.But behind the likes of Kyle Walker, Kieran Trippier, Reece James and Trent Alexander-Arnold among English right-backs, he explored the possibility of representing Greece at international level.READ MORE SUN STORIESOnce the paperwork was finally done, he earned his debut in the Nations League in June 2022 as a late substitute against Northern Ireland.A year later, Baldock somehow kept Kylian Mbappe quiet for 104 MINUTES despite playing through “unimaginable” pain in his ankle.Baldock signed for Panathinaikos in the summerCredit: AthenaHe qualified to represent Greece through his grandmaCredit: SportsfileBaldock’s wife raised the alarmCredit: GettyHe was living in Athens following his transferCredit: LNPEmergency services continue their investigationsCredit: AthenaA hearse was pictured outside the propertyCredit: AthenaBaldock spent seven years at Sheffield UnitedCredit: Mark Robinson – The SunHe helped the Blades earn promotion to the Premier League twiceCredit: Getty More

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    Gareth Southgate breaks silence on Man Utd manager job links as he gives update on future after England exit

    GARETH SOUTHGATE has ruled himself OUT of taking over at Manchester United for at least 12 months.Former England boss Southgate has been a front runner to be the next United choice if the Old Trafford side sack under-pressure Erik ten Hag.Gareth Southgate ruled himself OUT of taking over at Manchester United for at least 12 monthsCredit: AFPBut speaking publicly about his future for the first time since leaving the England job after Euro 2024, Southgate said he has NO intention of taking another coaching job until the back end of 2025 at the earliest.In an appearance at the European Club Association general assembly in Athens, when he was asked about his next potential job, Southgate said: “Firstly I’m enjoying my life…so there’s no rush.“I was 11 years committing myself fully to the FA and I’ve got lots of different experiences.“But I won’t coach in the next year, for sure. I’m certain of that.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“I need to give myself time to make good decisions. When you come out of a really big role you need to give your body time, you need to give your mind time.”Southgate made clear he is unlikely to consider another international job – and even that he may look for a role in football OUTSIDE of management.He added: “I’m fortunate that there are lots of different opportunities that are presenting themselves. The business side of football is really interesting.“In my role I’ve dealt with Uefa and Fifa, had to deal with lots of different stakeholders.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS“So I’m not just set on being a coach moving forward.Of course I’ve had amazing experiences but to have a project that was from the heart, which it was from the national team, is going to be difficult to find.” Gary Neville tells Gareth Southgate ‘it’s illegal’ again as he repeats fierce criticism of ex-England manager’s tacticsSouthgate went on: “I’m at an age where I want to work with good people.“When you’re younger you probably strive and are a bit more compliant. When you are older you realise the importance of collaboration.“Clubs can only be successful if everything is aligned, right the way through the club.“I also know that maybe the smarter people sit in the boardrooms and the coaches are a little bit more dispensable then you think when you are there.“As a coach you think you’re the most important person. I sat in every boardroom in our country for eight years and realised you’re only a small piece in this whole thing.”Coming just a day after Jurgen Klopp announced his new role at the Red Bull sporting group, Southgate hinted that he might be persuaded by a similar offer.He said: “If you are asking about club football, that’s depending on what that is, what role that is, what that might be.“I’ve been fortunate to work with fantastic players and some of the biggest nights in world football.“You’ve got to have excitement, passion to go to work every day.“That’s unlikely, for me, to be another national federation. Because, again, England was for the heart. I went there originally to help English football, not to become the first team coach.READ MORE SUN STORIES“But, the business of football, the experiences I’ve had working right across the board.“I’m 54 and want to enjoy and be really motivated for the next 10-15 years of my life and the most important thing is to give myself time to make good decisions.” More

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    Hungary vs Holland: Get £60 in football free bets and bonuses for the Nations League with William Hill

    THE Nations League returns this week and Netherlands are in action away to Hungary in League A3.And brand new William Hill customers who register an account and stake a tenner will be rewarded with a colossal £60 in free bets and bonuses to spend on football.Find The Sun’s betting publishing principles hereHungary vs Netherlands: Claim your £60 bonus – click here*Hungary vs Holland: Get £60 in football free bets and bonuses with William HillCredit: WILLIAM HILLHungary vs Netherlands: Claim your £60 bonus – click here*How to claim..William Hill £60 bonusVisit the William Hill website on your mobile device HERE*Register a new account and deposit a minimum of £10 using the Promo Code: T60Place a bet of at least £10 from your main balance on Euro 2024 football on the William Hill Sportsbook at odds of 1/2 or greaterAfter settlement – win or lose – William Hill will credit your account with £60 in free bets and bonusesHungary vs Netherlands: Claim your £60 bonus – click here*Hungary vs Netherlands: Claim your £60 bonus – click here*William Hill £60 welcome bonusNew to William Hill? You can sign-up using the links provided on this page and then you can reap the rewards!Simply register a new account and deposit a minimum of £10 using the Promo Code: T60.After that, stake at least £10 from your main balance on football on the William Hill Sportsbook at odds of 1/2 or greater.After settlement — win or lose — William Hill will credit your account with £60 in free bets and bonuses to spend on football and in the casino!Hungary vs Netherlands: Claim your £60 bonus – click here*Remember to gamble responsiblyA responsible gambler is someone who:Establishes time and monetary limits before playingOnly gambles with money they can afford to loseNever chase their lossesDoesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry, or depressedGamcare – www.gamcare.org.ukGamble Aware – www.gambleaware.orgFind our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to www.gamstop.co.uk*18+. Play Safe. New players only, using promo code T60. Valid from 13/04/2022. Online play. Get £60 Bonus split between Vegas & Sports in the following manner – (i) Deposit £10 to unlock £20 Vegas Free Bet on Selected Games (72hr expiry, wagering reqs apply); then (ii) bet £10+ (odds 1/2+) with cash (excl. £10 deposit) or Vegas winnings (after wager reqs met). Once settled, receive £40 Sports Free Bets excluding Virtual Markets (4x £10, 7 days expiry). Payment methods & country restrictions apply. Full T&Cs apply. More

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    Get £50 in free bets for Bosnia vs Germany in Nations League with Betfred

    GERMANY can maintain their lead at the top of League A Group 3 in the Nations League when they travel to face Bosnia & Herzegovina on Friday.New customers who register a brand new Betfred account and stake £10 on the Euro clash will be rewarded with £50 in free football bets!Find The Sun’s betting publishing principles hereBosnia vs Germany: Get your £50 in free bets – Claim here*Get £50 in free bets for Bosnia vs Germany in Nations League with BetfredNew to Betfred? You’re in luck! YOU are eligible to claim this spectacular football offer!Simply register a brand new account with Betfred HERE* using the Promo Code: BETFRED50 and deposit a minimum of £10 using a debit card.Once that’s done and dusted, stake a tenner on any qualifying sports market at odds of Evens or greater, including the Euros.After that, you’ll receive the following free bets and bonuses;3 x £10 to use on any Sportsbook Markets2 x £10 to use on Accumulators (4+ selections)Bosnia vs Germany: Get your £50 in free bets – Claim here*How to claim..Betfred welcome offerVisit the Betfred website HERE*Register an account using the Promo Code: BETFRED50Deposit £10 using a Debit CardPlace your first bet of £10 or more on any qualifying Sportsbook markets, at odds of Evens or greaterOnce that bet has settled, Betfred will credit your account with £50 in Free BetsBetfred: Get your £50 in free bets – Claim here*Remember to gamble responsiblyA responsible gambler is someone who:Establishes time and monetary limits before playingOnly gambles with money they can afford to loseNever chase their lossesDoesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry or depressedGamcare – www.gamcare.org.ukGamble Aware – www.begambleaware.orgFor help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to www.gamstop.co.uk to be excluded from all UK-regulated gambling websites.*New customers only. Register with BETFRED50. Deposit £10+ via Debit Card and place first bet £10+ at Evens (2.0)+ on Sports within 7 days to get 3 x £10 in Sports Free Bets & 2 x £10 in Acca Free Bets within 10 hours of settlement. 7-day expiry. Eligibility & payment exclusions apply. T&Cs apply. More

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    Why is England wearing an all-white kit against Greece?

    ENGLAND return to Nations League action with a home fixture against Greece – and their kit will be very reminiscent of the past.Interim head coach Lee Carsley is hoping to build on his 100 percent winning record since taking charge in August.Harry Kane’s double helped England secure two wins on the spinCredit: RexGoals from Declan Rice and Jack Grealish fired Carsley to his first win against the Republic of Ireland.And his Three Lions side followed that up with a 2-0 triumph over Finland three days later courtesy of a double from captain Harry Kane.Fans will be praying Carsley doesn’t change his tactics as it has led to exciting, back-to-back victories.But one thing that will change is the kit England wear, and it is being worn for a specific reasonRead more on EnglandWhy is England wearing an all-white kit against Greece?England are wearing an all-white kit to avoid a clash with Greece, who will line up in an all-blue kit.It will also be a nod to the iconic David Beckham game where he scored his most important international goal 23 years ago against Greece.The majestic moment which still gives Becks “goosebumps” rescued a 2-2 draw and took the late Sven Goran Eriksson’s men to the 2002 World Cup.England usually wear white shirts and blue shorts for home matches,Most read in FootballHowever, England will swap the blue shorts for white at Wembley TONIGHT.Meanwhile, Greece will play in all-blue, just like they did during that epic 2001 match.Wayne Rooney doesn’t hesitate in naming England’s best player as Man Utd legend snubs Jude Bellingham What has David Beckham said?Speaking to the Daily Mail on the 20-year anniversary of the strike, Beckham said: “I get goosebumps when I think about it, talk about it, watch it, it was just a special moment.”He added: “To represent my country, to captain my country, to score a goal that meant so much to our country and the fans, and to do it all at Old Trafford, for me, it couldn’t have been any more perfect.”David Beckham’s goal against Greece has gone down in historyCredit: News Group Newspapers LtdWho is in the England Nations League squad?Liverpool midfielder Curtis Jones and Newcastle full-back Tino Livramento were late call-ups to the England squad.Kobbie Mainoo, Ezri Konsa and Morgan Gibbs-White all had to withdraw through injury. Below is the original squad chosen by Carsley. More

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    Jude Bellingham set for shock position change for England as Lee Carsley experiments with new formation in training

    LEE CARSLEY could opt to play Jude Bellingham in a new position for England’s Nations League clash with Greece tonight.Interim boss Carsley has been experimenting with using Bellingham as a STRIKER in training this week, according to The Times.Jude Bellingham could play as a deep-lying striker against Greece tonightCredit: RexLee Carsley has been experimenting with Bellingham playing a more advanced position in training this weekCredit: GettyBellingham, who normally forms part of a midfield trio for the Three Lions, has reportedly been tested as a deep-lying striker in the training session’s building up to tonight’s game.The news comes after it was confirmed that Harry Kane wouldn’t be starting against the Greeks after picking up a knock with club Bayern Munich.Carsley even hinted that there may be a different look to how his team sets up as a result.He said: “Along with a few of the players who can play at No.9, we’ve got plenty of options in that position.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”Harry’s been the outstanding player for so long for us now, but I feel like we’ve definitely got a Plan B.”Carsely isn’t short of options if he did want to play a conventional striker, having called both Ollie Watkins and Dominic Solanke up the squad.However, Bellingham could be a viable option with the 21-year-old occasionally playing in a more advanced role for Real Madrid last season.While the former Birmingham City star has certainly proved he has an eye for goal, netting 23 times for Madrid last term.Most read in FootballBellingham proved he can find the back of the net for Real Madrid last seasonFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe absence of Kane won’t just leave a gap up top, but also means Carsley has to find a new man to wear the captain’s armband this evening.The former England U21 boss has decided that role will be filled by John Stones.How Liverpool’s Jude Bellingham plan backfired with Trent Alexander-ArnoldOn being given the honour of captaining his nation at Wembley, Stones said: “It’s everything I dreamed of as a kid. It’s a special moment and I cannot thank Lee enough.”It was a great conversation but I didn’t know what to say. I was a bit speechless.”Fans will be also eagerly watching on across both tonight’s clash against Greece and Sunday’s face-off with Finland to see if Carsley can find a way to play Bellingham, Phil Foden and Cole Palmer in the same squad.Reports have suggested that Carsley could play an attacking side that features the trio alongside Bukayo Saka and Anthony Gordon.The England boss is expected to start Bukayo Saka, Declan Rice and Anthony Gordon from the off under the arch this evening.While Chelsea defender Levi Colwill is reportedly in line to partner John Stones at centre-back.England could line up with an all-out attack style lineup with Bellingham up topThey could take a more reserved approach with Watkins up top insteadCarsley named John Stones as his captain for the Greece clashCredit: GettyArsenal duo Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice are expected to both start tonightCredit: Getty More

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    Dominating Mbappe, Premier League Iron Man, promotion hero: A tribute to Sheff Utd and Greece great George Baldock

    IT was back in 2019 when Greece legend Vasilis Torosidis retired from international duty after 101 caps and a scintillating service after Giourkas Seitaridis helped us do the unthinkable and win Euro 2004.A giant void was left behind at right-back, many talented players tried to step up but unfortunately none of them could fill those big boots.George Baldock leaves a legacy behind after stunning displays for Sheffield United and GreeceCredit: APBaldock became Greece’s starting right-back upon his arrival in 2022Credit: GettyBaldock put together an amazing performance against France star Kylian Mbappe despite being injuredCredit: GettyBaldock’s last ever match was an impressive display with Panathinaikos before his tragic deathCredit: RexBut soon enough, I started to hear whispers about a Premier League ace with Greek heritage that plays as 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 Ethniki through his Greek 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.And Baldock was among their standout players as he registered a staggering 3,420 minutes played, which was the joint highest return along a select few – only seven of which were outfield players, such as Declan Rice and Virgil van Dijk.Read More on FootballThe defender was fully keen to make the big step to the international stage with the country of 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 hell stood in the way – with the then Sheffield United star claiming COVID-19 and Brexit slowed things down.But finally, Greece 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.Most read in FootballPerhaps 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.Greece boss Poyet reveals Sheff Utd ace Baldock played through ‘unimaginable’ injury when he silenced France’s MbappeThe Tottenham hero 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.”A loyal soldierIt’s easy to understand how loyal Baldock has been 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, 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.And 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.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe only managed 12 caps for Greece before his sudden and tagic 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.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) More