Greece players pay tribute to George Baldock after upset win over England | Football
Greece matchwinner Vangelis Pavlidis dedicated his side’s shock 2-1 win against England to his former teammate Geoge Baldock after his tragic death just one day prior.
The former Sheffield United defender and Greece international died on Wednesday evening at the age of 31.
Police were called to the footballer’s home in Greece where he was found unresponsive having drowned in his swimming pool
Despite a request from the Greek FA to postpone the fixture, Thursday’s Nations League fixture went ahead as planned with both sides wearing black armbands to pay their respects.
But Greece put heartbreak to one side and put in an inspired performance at Wembley to claim their country’s first win against England.
Having fired in the opener Pavlidis held aloft his black armband as he celebrated fired, with the team then unfurling and holding up a home shirt with Baldock’s name on the back.
And having scored a dramatic injury-time winner to secure the win, the Greek striker said his team wanted to put in a performance for their former colleague.
‘It was a really special game for us because of George. We gave everything for him and his family,’ Pavlidis told ITV.
‘It’s a great win but most important is the emotions; we are people and its a special night because of him first of all.
‘From yesterday when we knew, everybody had a really difficult moment. George was part of the team, a special guy and had a lot of time with everyone. We said we have to play for him and it doesn’t matter the score today, we just gave everything for him.’
Baldock enjoyed an extensive playing career in England, most notably at Sheffield United where he made 219 appearances between 2017 and March of this year.
The defender, who became a Greek international through his grandmother, left Brammal Line to sign for Panathinaikos this summer.
He received 12 caps for the national team between 2022 and 2024 and last played for his club recently as Sunday in a goalless draw with Olympiakos in the Greek top flight.
Tributes poured in from around the footballing world after news of the tragic passing first broke.
Speaking before kick-off, Ian Wright, who coached Baldock during his brief stint at MK Dons, told ITV: ‘Terrible news, shocking news. In this time you can only think about his friends and family. I spoke to Karl Robinson and he was devastated.’
Asked what sort of character he was, Wright added: ‘Hard-working, determined. At MK Dons, he was the sort of person you could tell by the way he applied himself, he was probably going to get to the Premier League and he did so. I’m very sorry and all my condolences go to his family.’
Roy Keane also shared his condolences, saying: ‘I watched him a lot at Sheffield United, played with a lot of energy, was very tenacious and was always up for a battle.
‘The players will have to be professional and will have to try and go out there and put on a performance for him.’
A Greek Football Federation statement read: ‘With deep sadness and pain, the National Team and the Hellenic Football Federation say goodbye to George Baldock.
‘There are no words to describe the human pain caused by the news of the untimely loss of one of our young people. The moment calls for silence. Condolences to his family. Condolences from his second family. Goodbye.’
Coming through the youth system at MK Dons, Baldock went on to represent several clubs across the English football pyramid, including Northampton Town, Tamworth and Oxford United.
Joining Sheffield United in 2017, he went on to help the Blades secure promotion to the Premier League on two occasions and was nicknamed ‘Furious George’ for all his all-action displays on the pitch.
‘Sheffield United Football Club is shocked and extremely saddened to learn of the passing of former player, George Baldock,’ a statement from the club said.
‘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.’
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