Why did George Baldock represent Greece and not England? Everything we know

and Greece's UEFA Nations League clash will be remembered as a poignant occasion as both sides mourn the loss of George Baldock at Wembley on Thursday.

at his home on Wednesday night in Athens. confirming he had passed away at the age of 31, as tributes poured in for the late footballer from all quarters of sport.

It read: "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."

The former Premier League footballer was a popular figure amongst Sheffield United fans and his team-mates, having made over 200 appearances for the Blades before leaving the club in the summer as a free agent.

Baldock had been residing in the Greek capital after signing for Super League outfit Panathinaikos in May, following the expiry of his contract at Bramall Lane.

His tragic death came just three days after he had played in the goalless Eternal derby draw with Olympiacos on October 6, and the sudden nature of his passing has shocked the football community.

Why did George Baldock play for Greece and not England?

Baldock was born in Buckingham and spent the vast majority of his career in England after starting out with MK Dons. But it was no coincidence that he picked Greece as his destination when he embarked on his new adventure in the Mediterranean.

The defender discovered that he was eligible to represent Greece at international level through his maternal grandmother. With no England caps to his name, he was free to snatch the opportunity with both hands.

The Greek football federation (EPO) had first made contact in an attempt to convince Baldock to pull on the Hellas shirt in 2019, but delays due to Covid and Brexit had slowed the paperwork process.

It wasn't until former Chelsea and Tottenham footballer Gus Poyet - in charge of the Greece national team at the time - called him up in May 2022 that Baldock finally got his first taste of international football.

"It is a real honour to represent Greece," he said at the time. "This is a proud moment, not just for me, but for my entire family.

"It has been a possibility for a while, so I'm happy now to be in a position where I am available to play. It is an exciting time ahead."

Baldock made his debut for Greece in a 1-0 win over Northern Ireland in Belfast and before the game, he could not hide his delight at making his family proud in appearing for his adopted nation.

"Everyone knows how proud I am. My grandmother was absolutely Greek, she would be proud to see me," he added. "I feel Greek, I came with my grandfather to Greece and as I said I feel proud when I wear the shirt."

England and Greece players will wear black armbands and hold a period of silence as a tribute to Baldock, whose absence will no doubt be felt deeply by all of those present in the stadium.