Well actually if he wakes up at 7 to play he should be taken out to go potty. You didn't say if he took him out at that time. If not he should go out to potty for sure. A wire crate is best, imo. It's what I have used and works well for me. Crating will be the best thing you can do to prevent him peeing in the house while you are gone. When you are home just take him out on scheduled potty breaks. He may not know how to give you a clear signal he needs to go out or you might miss his signal if you are busy,and that will contribute to him peeing in the house. It will take him a few days probably, but he will settle into it. Never let him out if he's cyring or barking, only when he's quiet. Or you will train him to bark and wine while in there. Ignore him in the crate if he is making sounds, it will only teach him to make more. Probably best to keep it in your room if you can. It will make him feel better to be with you at night. He may whine and cry for a few days but always ignore him until he is quiet, except in the morning if he has to pee badly he may be trying to get your attention so that's different. But try to take him out of the crate to pee before he asks to get out to pee, to avoid confusing him.

Also, get a crate as soon as possible, tethering him to a door could turn out badly.