THE NOTEBOOK: There’s a somber mood at Wembley, guests of honor from the FA celebrate diversity – and a historic night for John Stones despite defeat

Wembley observed a period of silence and the players wore black armbands in memory of George Baldock, who died suddenly on Wednesday.

At the request of the Greek Football Association, UEFA granted permission for the tribute during a meeting on Thursday morning.

Baldock, who made 12 appearances for the senior national team, made more than 350 appearances in English football before moving to Panathinakos in the summer.

A crowd at Wembley paid tribute to the life of former player George Baldock, who died this week

Baroness Doreen Lawrence was the FA’s guest of honor to mark Black History Month

FA’s Wembley guests of honor celebrate our diversity

Baroness Doreen Lawrence and Thomas Hitzlesperger were invited by the FA as guests of honor to last night’s clash for a special pre-match celebration of Black History Month.

Equality campaigner and mother of Stephen, who was tragically murdered in a racially motivated attack in south London 31 years ago, was on the guest list for the Nations League match at Wembley.

Former Aston Villa midfielder Hitzlesperger – who revealed he was gay in 2014 – was also expected to attend.

Bukayo Saka was one of many English players to take part in a cooking show that no longer exists

English players cooking show seen the chop

The FA launched a new online cooking show with M&S featuring internet personality Yung Filly and England players after the celebrity was charged following rape allegations.

England stars Bukayo Saka, Ezri Konsa and Jarrod Bowen are said to feature in the videos as part of the ‘Freestyle Cooking’ series on the FA YouTube channel.

But the governing body has reacted quickly to developments that Yung Filly – real name Andres Felipe Valencia Barrientos – had been arrested and taken into custody in Brisbane on Tuesday, then extradited to Perth.

Barrientos has denied the charges against him.

John Stones became England’s 128th captain as the Three Lions took on Greece at Wembley

Captain Stones joins the roll call of English greats

John Stones became England’s 128th captain here last night.

In the absence of Harry Kane, the Manchester City defender led the team at Wembley to mark one of the proudest moments of his career.

Stones said on Wednesday night: ‘It’s everything I dreamed of as a kid. It’s a special moment and I can’t thank Lee (Carsley) enough.”