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Sky News
3 hours ago
- Sky News
Footballer George Baldock died from drowning in his own pool in Athens, inquest finds
Former Sheffield United and MK Dons footballer George Baldock died from drowning in his own swimming pool, an inquest has found. The 31-year-old died as the result of an accident and had no drugs or alcohol in his system, the inquest at Milton Keynes Coroner's Court heard on Wednesday. The Buckinghamshire-born defender, who played for Greece, was found in the pool at his address in the Glyfada district of Athens on 9 October and efforts to resuscitate him were unsuccessful. A post-mortem found no drugs or alcohol in his system and that he had a very large heart "that would have meant that he was susceptible to heart arrythmias", where the heart beats too fast, too slowly or irregularly. His family had previously said in a statement that Baldock had "tragically drowned" whilst swimming in the pool at his home. An investigation by Greek police after the incident also found no evidence of criminal activity. Tributes were paid across the country in the days after Baldock's death, including by his former clubs and at a Nations League match between England and Greece at Wembley, where the stadium held a period of silence and both teams wore black armbands. In a statement released at the time, Baldock's family said: "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."
The Independent
6 hours ago
- The Independent
Spain illustrate their genius to set up Euro 2025 final showdown with England
If it was anyone else in the world, you might wonder whether she really meant it. If it was anyone else in the world, though, Spain probably wouldn't have even been in that position to score. As it is, the world champions are in their first ever women's European Championship final, thanks to the genius of Aitana Bonmati. It wasn't just about the ingenuity, but the intelligence. Aitaina later said that Spain had been studying Ann-Katrin Berger's movements and how the goalkeeper stepped away from her near post. The playmaker put it exactly where she needed for a 1-0 win over resolute Germany, exactly when it was needed - minutes from the end of extra-time. So, England face up to a repeat of the 2023 final, from a moment that no other player could possibly hope to repeat. Or maybe even imagine. Even before Aitana drilled the ball inside Berger's near post, there was the mercurial quality of the turn. You could actually say Germany had due warning, even if it's almost impossible to predict what a player as good as this will do. Aitana had nevertheless foreshadowed it with the assist for the crucial goal against Switzerland in the quarter-final. She had let the ball roll through her legs to flick it in for Athenea del Castillo. Here, Aitana turned and went on and helped herself. England are going to have to watch for that, except you never know when it's coming. That's the joy of a player like this. Just look at Berger, and the symbolism of beating the best goalkeeper of the tournament so far. The German had stopped everything up to then, a series of shots on target. For this match-winner, she couldn't even see it coming. Berger even pointed to her right, just before Aitana shot to her left. Maybe the biggest giveaway before Aitana's own words was that she never even looked for a runner. She knew what to do. She also did it when it mattered most. How Spain needed it. Berger's commanding performance had played into a growing Spanish frustration, where a visible angst was undercutting their play. They weren't pressing with the same intensity or anywhere near as high up the pitch. They weren't even passing the ball with the same vigour. Fortified by Berger, the Germans looked so assured in defence. All of Carlota Wamser, Janina Minge and Rebecca Knaak stood up so well, among others. It looked and felt like a slow descent to penalties, which might literally have played into Berger's hands. Only deepening the potential psychological angst of that, there was the fact that Spain had never beaten Germany. Ever. You could sense that being a factor as the game wore on, not to mention Spain's comparatively poor knock-out record. It remains a remarkable thing to say about world champions, but this was only their sixth ever victory outside a group stage. They began to make some strange decisions in those stretched final stages of the 90, and then extra-time. That extended to the substitutions, and particularly the removal of Claudia Pina, or the choice of Salma Paralluelo over Vicky Lopez. Except, in some ways, such debatable flaws only further emphasise Spain's strength. Even if they haven't got the right mix, or the formation doesn't quite work, they just have so many different players that can hurt you. And at the centre of it is always Aitana, able to produce something like that. It's going to be an immense challenge for England, but Sarina Wiegman can perhaps point to some elements of encouragement from the game. Germany gave the best blueprint yet (an admittedly common theme) for how to face Spain. They stopped them like no one else. They almost won it at the end of the 90, too, forcing Cata Coll into a double save that was arguably the equal of anything Berger offered. It looked like Klara Buhl's deflected shot was going to drop into the net like a falling leaf, only for the goalkeeper to claw it away before showing incredible reflexes and strength to immediately get up and block Carlotta Wamser's effort. That was a moment every bit as important as Aitana's goal, even if it will naturally be overtaken in the collective memories of this semi-final. There was a lot to take in, which is another element. Spain had to go the distance, and to the very end of extra-time, and that with one day less to prepare than England. Except, in all of that, and a performance that was understandably their least convincing of the tournament so far, they still created a series of chances. They still showed a resolve to match England's. They still showed their genius, as well as the special quality of their star player. No matter anyone's opinion on whether the goal was meant, there's no disputing its meaning. The world champions are in their first ever European Championship final, for a grand showdown with England. A moment like that only makes it even more of a match to savour.
Scottish Sun
7 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
Wrexham sign former Premier League striker's son on free transfer after he ripped up contract at crisis club
The midfielder had his best ever return in the Championship last season GONE WITH THE WIND GONE WITH THE WIND Wrexham sign former Premier League striker's son on free transfer after he ripped up contract at crisis club Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) HOLLYWOOD have landed themselves a new A-lister thanks to Wrexham's shrewd free agent pickup. The Welsh club have announced the signing of Josh Windass to add some much-needed Championship experience following their League One promotion last term. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 5 Josh Windass has signed for Wrexham Credit: 5 Windass has left Sheffield Wednesday after having his contract ripped up Credit: Getty 5 He is the son of former Premier League striker Dean Windass Credit: Getty Windass, who is the son of former Premier League striker Dean Windass, was a free agent after having his contract ripped up by Sheffield Wednesday. Crisis club Wednesday are in financial turmoil under the ownership of Dejphon Chansiri and Windass saw his deal in Yorkshire come to a close "by mutual consent" last week due to the issues. Now he has penned a three-year contract with Wrexham instead, joining Phil Parkinson's side in their quest for the Premier League off the back of three consecutive promotion seasons. Windass, who scored 53 goals in 153 games for the Owls, said of joining Wrexham: "I'm looking forward to getting going. "I've spoken to the manager, who has showed me his plans for the season and what he expects from the group, and I've really bought into that. 'I'd describe myself as honest and hard-working, I like to contribute goals and assists from midfield and that's what I'm looking to bring to Wrexham. 'First and foremost, I want to get into the team and earn the respect of my team-mates – I want to be professional, be someone to look up to and then get the team as high up the league as possible.' While boss Parkinson added: "I'm delighted to welcome Josh to the Club. 5 CASINO SPECIAL - BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS "He's a player with a lot of Championship experience and I'm looking forward to working with him over the coming seasons.' Windass has played over 170 Championship games across spells with Sheffield Wednesday and Wigan. Ex-Rangers star's dad breaks down in tears after son's play-off winner The creative midfielder had his best return yet in the Championship last season, netting 13 goals and setting up another five in his 44 appearances. Hollywood owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney will be hoping Windass can help them at least stay afloat in the Championship alongside the arrival of players like Bolton's George Thomason and Empoli's Liberato Cacace. 5 TRANSFER NEWS LIVE - KEEP UP WITH ALL THE LATEST FROM A BUSY SUMMER WINDOW
