UEFA Nations League

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

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

JOHN STONES believes Lee Carsley has got England playing like Manchester City.The Three Lions star sees parallels with how interim boss Carsley and City chief Pep Guardiola set up their teams to play attacking football.Temporary England skipper John Stones believes Lee Carsley has got England playing like his Manchester City sideThe defender said there’s ‘a lot of similarities’ between Carsley and Pep GuardiolaEngland face Greece at a sold-out Wembley in the Nations League ON Thursday, with skipper Harry Kane a big doubt following injury.It will be Carsley’s third game since replacing Gareth Southgate on a temporary basis.And defender Stones said: “There are a lot of similarities between Lee and Pep in how they see the game and how they want us to play.“We saw that last month when we played the two games and got we played the two games and got positive results.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS“It’s been great for me with the likenesses of how we play.“They do a lot of research on us as players, see how we play at our clubs and then try to bring that in.“That makes it as easy as possible for us, as players, to gel together.”Stones skippers the Three Lions from the start of a match for the first time on his 82nd cap.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSHe said: “To be asked to captain England was everything I could have dreamed of as a kid.“For my family to see me walk out as captain is going to be such a memorable moment.Premier League icon Nikos Dabizas names surprise EFL star who could be key to shutting down Jude Bellingham in England vs Greece“I was speechless when Lee asked me. It was just an incredible moment.“To walk out with the armband is an honour I will cherish forever.”England beat Ireland and Finland 2-0 last month and Stones feels the squad have got used to a new regime after Gareth Southgate and No 2 Steve Holland led them at four major finals.Stones added: “We have bedded in now. I mentioned before how it was a strange feeling after being with Steve, Gareth, all the team.“And I’ve not had many managers throughout my career.“So it was a strange transition period with new faces and new challenges — and I think we have now settled in.“It has been a seamless transition, which is just a credit to them and not easy to do.”Striker Kane, 31, was unable to train properly this week after suffering groin and ankle issues playing for German giants Bayern Munich.And Ollie Watkins looks set to start in his place, while Tottenham new-boy Dominic Solanke is likely to feature at some stage.The Three Lions were hit by Morgan Gibbs-White, Ezri Konsa and Kobbie Mainoo pulling out of the squad after picking up injuries during last weekend’s Prem games.Carsley called up Liverpool midfielder Curtis Jones and Newcastle defender Tino Livramento.At the back, Stones is set to partner Levi Colwill, while in-form Chelsea star Cole Palmer is also expected to start.And Carsley explained: “Kane is nursing an injury — a small knock — and it’s something we won’t take a chance with.“We are not ruling out Harry from being on the bench but he won’t start against Greece.“Hopefully he will be in contention for Sunday in Finland, time will tell.“It was a great chat to have with John on Tuesday night — to have the chance to ask him to captain the team.“It’s a brilliant achievement and it’s something that he deserves, with the experience he has and his professionalism.“He just shows a great example to the younger players.”City winger Jack Grealish is unlikely to feature against Greece.READ MORE SUN STORIESCarsley added: “Jack will be assessed later but he had a slight knock in training on Wednesday.“We wouldn’t gamble with any of the players — it’s important we put them first.”Title rivals Jack Grealish and Bukayo Saka were both named in the October squad More