Tributes were paid before and during the England vs Greece football game in honour of the former MK Dons star George Baldock after his death.

England and Greece met one another the day after news that 31-year-old England-born Greek international footballer Baldock had died in his home in Athens, in news that has shocked the football community.

Before the England vs Greece game in the UEFA Nations League at Wembley in London, a minute’s silence was held, while both sides wore black armbands.

The Greek side also posed with a Greek shirt with Baldock’s name on the back before the match, with the same shirt also held aloft when Vangelis Pavlidis scored his first goal in a 2-1 win for Greece. The scorer also pointed at his armband during his celebration.

Greece will also be holding tributes before their next match during the current international window, which will see them host the Republic of Ireland on Sunday.

Although born in Buckingham in England, Baldock qualified to play for Greece through his grandmother, and had won 12 caps for the Greek national side. He had moved to Greece in the summer of 2024 after joining the Athens-based Panathinaikos team from Sheffield United.

Before the game, Greece’s players said in a statement, “It is impossible to believe that our dear friend and team-mate, George, is no longer with us. Our pain is indescribable.

“Tonight, we will try to reach the strength of his soul, which is a bright example for us all. Our thoughts are with his family. We will never forget you friend.”

The Baldock family have also released a statement paying tribute to George. In a statement to the media including Sky Sports and the BBC, they confirmed the results of a post-mortem conducted by Greek police, paid tribute to Baldock and requested privacy at this time.

They said, “We are heartbroken with the sudden passing of our beloved George. We can confirm that a post-mortem examination has found that George tragically drowned whilst swimming in the pool at his home in Glyfada, Athens

“George, you were the most special father, fiance, son, brother, uncle, friend, team-mate and person. Your enthusiasm and infectious personality brought so much love to those that were fortunate enough to know you and those that adored you from the stands.

“We will forever cherish the special memories we have of you and you will continue to live on in your beautiful son. You were due to fly home today for us to celebrate his first birthday together, but instead we mourn your loss.

“As a family it has been incredibly touching, but equally so very difficult to read the huge number of tributes written by those that knew George and from those whose life he touched.

“It was impossible not to love him. We ask that you please continue to respect our privacy at this devastating time as we begin to process our grief.”

Supporters of Sheffield United have begun to lay shirts and flowers in tribute outside Bramall Lane, with the news coming just 4 months after he left the club.

MK Dons have also confirmed how fans can pay tribute to Baldock ahead of their upcoming game against Port Vale.

The club will be opening a book of condolence for the Baldock family, which will be open in the club shop from tomorrow (11/10).

A minute’s silence will be held before the game, while both MK Dons and Port Vale will be wearing black armbands during the match.

MK Dons also said, “Everyone at MK Dons is utterly devastated by the news of George’s passing and takes comfort in the knowledge we will all come together as one this Saturday to remember one of our own.”