England led the tributes to former Sheffield United defender George Baldock, who has tragically died at the age of 31.
A statement on X, formerly known as Twitter, read: “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 teammates at club and country at this difficult time.”
England’s official social media account was responding to a similar statement from Baldock’s former club, the Blades.
“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.”
His older brother Sam Baldock is an academy coach at Premier League side Brighton and the Seagulls also released a statement.
It read: “We are shocked to learn of the passing of George Baldock at the age of 31. Our love and condolences are with George’s brother and our colleague Sam, and his family and friends at this time.”
The Greece international’s other brother James Baldock is a club doctor at Oxford, who said in a statement: “Oxford United Football Club is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of former player, George Baldock, aged 31.
“The sincere condolences of everyone associated with the Club are extended to James, Sam, his family, and friends.”
