Greece 'request to postpone England game' following George Baldock's shock death

Greece's players are said to be in a 'state of shock' that they are being asked to play the game following the death of their team-mate, who had won 12 international caps

The Greek FA have been in 'constant contact' with UEFA in a bid to postpone Thursday evening's Nations League clash with England following the tragic death of George Baldock.

Former Sheffield United defender Baldock, 31, was born in Buckinghamshire but earned 12 caps for Greece after qualifying to play for them through his grandmother. Having joined Greek giants Panathinaikos in the summer he would have been in the squad for the clash at Wembley but for injury.

Baldock was found in his swimming pool at his house in Glyfada, southern Athens on Wednesday evening after his wife, who was in the UK, had alerted the authorities that she couldn't get in contact with him.

The family said in a statement: "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."

Greek outlet SDNA report that the Hellenic FA have been in 'constant contact' with UEFA about postponing the game, but European football's governing body have insisted that goes ahead as planned.

The report adds that the team are in a 'state of shock' that they are still being asked to play in what will be a 'very difficult' game against England. The Greek FA's X account put out a tweet with a black background advertising the match on Thursday morning. Tributes will be paid to Baldock before the match, with black armbands worn.

A statement from the Greek FA 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."

England also released a statement following Baldock's death on Wednesday, saying: "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."

Join our new WhatsApp communityand receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read ourPrivacy Notice.