James McAtee single-handedly rescued England Under-21s from a goal behind against Ukraine on Friday night, scoring twice in the final five minutes to all-but confirm a spot in next summer's European Championships. 

His heroics on the pitch followed a week in which McAtee battled through personal pain, following the sudden passing of his former Sheffield United teammate George Baldock at the age of 31.

McAtee - who spent two years on loan at Sheffield United - and Baldock, a Greek international, shared precious memories with the Blades, securing promotion to the Premier League in 2022/23.

Earlier this week, Greece paid tribute to their teammate after securing their first win against England, lifting a ‘Baldock two’ shirt in the air as they opened the scoring. At full time, the travelling Greek support led chants of “Baldock, Baldock,” while the players once again raised the shirt into the air.

Credit: PAThe tributes this week have been beautiful and incredibly moving, McAtee dedicated his magical masterclass at the Vitality to his former teammate in an emotional post-match interview. 

“It has been a tough week, I’ve spoken to my old teammates it has been hard to speak to them," McAtee told the News Shopper.

“Luckily I have been here with my mates from the England team and I'm trying to stay away from it but obviously keeping it in my mind I played tonight for him and look what he gave me.

“I was focusing on the game. I had the message on my shirt so I was destined to score and I did, it was in honour of him.” 

McAtee continued to reflect on his former Sheffield United teammate and after bottling his emotion up all week, the 20-year-old broke down in tears commemorating the life of Baldock. 

“Everyone knows he's a special player. He was a special person and you can see that in all the tributes to him. It was a really emotional night and wishing his family all the best. 

“It was his little kid's birthday yesterday and it's an emotional one. I just hope his family and all his teammates back home are doing okay. 

“Even when I left he was still texting me and asking if I needed anything, when I was there he welcomed me with open arms and looked after me and Tommy [Doyle] very well.”