England and Greece pay respects to Sheffield United hero George Baldock after shocking death ahead of Wembley match

The football associations of England and Greece have paid their respects to former Sheffield United defender George Baldock who tragically died this week.

Baldock, who was 31, was reportedly found dead at his home by the owner of the property after attempts were made by his wife to contact him.

Baldock’s death was confirmed on Wednesday night and a family statement to the PA news agency 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.”

The former Blade left United in the summer to join Greek side Panathinaikos. Baldock had represented Greece at international level having qualified through his grandmother.

The Greece national team are in the UK this week ahead of Thursday night’s Nations League match against England at Wembley.

A statement from the Greece national team read: “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, man. The moment forces silence. Condolences to his family. Condolences from his second family.”

The Football Association expressed its devastation at Baldock’s death.

“We are devastated to learn of the passing of George Baldock at the age of 31. Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with George’s family, friends and team-mates at club and country,” an FA statement read.

An England statement added: “We’re extremely saddened by the passing of George Baldock. George was close to many of our players, and represented Greece – our opponents on Thursday night. We’re thinking of George’s family, friends and team-mates at club and country at this difficult time.”

It has been reported that the Greece FA have requested black armbands be worn by their players and a moment of silence take place before the match.