Greece players told to play 'difficult' England fixture after George Baldock death as UEFA have 'no room' for postponement

The Greece national team players been rocked by the death of their team-mate

The Greek FA have been locked in talks with UEFA in an attempt to delay Thursday evening's Nations League fixture against England after the shock death of George Baldock, according to reports.

Former Sheffield United defender Baldock, aged 31, represented Greece 12 times, having qualified through his grandmother. He moved to Panathinaikos this summer and was set to join the squad at Wembley but an injury ruled him out. Tragically, after his wife in the UK notified authorities that she could not reach him, Baldock was discovered dead in his pool at his Glyfada home on Wednesday night.

In an emotional statement, the family expressed their devastation: "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." According to Greek news source SDNA, the Gerek FA has been in persistent dialogue with UEFA regarding the postponement of the clash, but UEFA insists the match proceeds.

Reports reveal the team is reeling in disbelief, obligated to play what has become a "very difficult" match against England. A tweet from the Greek FA's X account with a sombre black background announced Thursday morning's game. Honouring Baldock, tributes and black armbands will feature at the match.

The Greek FA mourned the loss of Baldock, issuing a moving tribute: "With profound sadness and sorrow, the national team and the Greek Football Federation bid farewell to George Baldock."

They added: "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."

Following the heartbreaking news of Baldock's passing on Wednesday, England released a heartfelt statement of their own: "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."

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