England secured a dominant 7-0 victory over Croatia in the Nations League on Saturday, with multiple players contributing to the historic result. The match, held in Rijeka, saw England's squad deliver a comprehensive display of skill and precision, leaving Croatia struggling to mount a meaningful challenge. Goals came from Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham, Anthony Gordon, Bukayo Saka, and Morgan Rogers, with Bellingham also registering a hat-trick of assists. The performance was praised by manager Thomas Tuchel, who called it "complete" and a strong statement ahead of Euro 2028.
Croatia captain Luka Modric expressed deep disappointment, calling the defeat a "catastrophic night" and admitting his team was "a shadow of their former selves." Modric, 41, warned that England's overwhelming victory could damage Croatia's reputation, especially as the team previously reached the World Cup semifinals. The result also marked England's seventh consecutive win in the Nations League, further solidifying their position at the top of the group.
This win follows Spain's 3-1 victory over the Czech Republic, with Lamine Yamal continuing his impressive form. England's performance in Rijeka underscores their growing strength in international competition, while Croatia's struggles highlight the challenges they face in maintaining their status as a top-tier team. The match also saw fans allowed into the stadium under strict exemption rules, despite UEFA's general ban on spectators.
