Croatia suffer record 7-0 Nations League thrashing by England
Croatia have suffered the heaviest defeat of their independent era after England swept to a 7-0 Nations League win in Rijeka on Saturday.
What we know
- England’s scorers were Harry Kane and Bukayo Saka, who both struck twice, plus Anthony Gordon, Jude Bellingham and Morgan Rogers.
- The result is Croatia’s biggest losing margin since the country became an independent football nation in 1991.
- Luka Modric returned to the starting side after being rested for the Spain game, but said the display left him ashamed after two decades with the national team.
- The Croatia captain said his side lacked aggression, intensity in duels, fouls and collective spirit, adding that the team appeared to be playing with several men missing.
- Modric accepted England were the stronger side but said Croatia could not accept a defeat that damaged the standing built by the national team over many years.
- He urged the squad not to blame individuals, insisting they must stay united after what he called a catastrophic night.
Next step: Spain test awaits
Croatia now turn quickly to a difficult meeting with Spain. Modric has called for an immediate response, demanding more pride, desire, unity and competitiveness from the squad.
He warned that the level shown against England falls far below the standard needed in international football. Croatia must now prove the 7-0 collapse was an isolated failure rather than a deeper problem.
