England FC secured a dominant 7-0 victory over Croatia in a Nations League match in Rijeka on Saturday, a result that left Croatian captain Luka Modric profoundly disappointed. Modric described the performance as a ‘catastrophic night’ and admitted to feeling ‘ashamed’ for the first time in his two-decade international career.
The English side, managed by Thomas Tuchel, delivered a sensational performance, with goals coming from multiple players. Harry Kane and Bukayo Saka each scored twice, while Jude Bellingham, Anthony Gordon, and Morgan Rogers also found the back of the net. By the 57th minute, when Modric was substituted, Croatia was already trailing 5-0.
For Croatia, this heavy defeat followed a mixed start to their Nations League campaign under returning manager Slaven Bilic. They had previously achieved a 2-1 away win against the Czech Republic, which initially placed them above England in Group A3. However, a chastening 4-1 loss away to world champions Spain preceded Saturday’s match.
Modric’s Candid Reaction to Croatia’s Performance
Luka Modric, the 41-year-old AC Milan midfielder and former Real Madrid stalwart, did not mince words when reflecting on his team’s display. He stated that ‘You can’t play football like that… we looked like we had four or five players less,’ emphasizing a notable absence of ‘duels, fouls, aggressiveness, togetherness.’
Modric, making his 205th international appearance, added, ‘I’ve been here for 20 years, but for the first time I feel ashamed after a game.’ He stressed that while losing is part of the sport, ‘losing like this and squandering the reputation we’ve built over the years is unacceptable.’
Croatia currently sits third in their Nations League group. They face a critical battle to maintain their position in the top tier of the competition, with challenging fixtures still ahead. Modric, who helped Croatia to second and third-place finishes at the 2018 and 2022 World Cups, underlined the need for unity and defiance from his squad.
England’s Landmark Victory and Future Challenges
Sky Sports hailed England’s 7-0 triumph as the ‘best performance of the Thomas Tuchel era,’ describing it as a ‘thrilling, inspiring and fulfilling’ moment for the country’s football fans. The outlet suggested this display could serve as a ‘blueprint’ for how England should approach significant international matches, reinforcing the belief that they can overcome top global opposition.
For an international readership, such a decisive victory in a competitive fixture like the Nations League carries significant weight, influencing team rankings, international perception, and potentially impacting future tournament seedings. This performance could also affect the market valuation of England’s standout players on the global stage, showcasing their talent to a wider audience.
Croatia’s schedule remains demanding, with a home fixture against Spain in Split on Tuesday. Their Nations League campaign will conclude with an away game against England on November 12, followed by a home match against the Czech Republic on November 15. These upcoming games are crucial for their status in the tournament.
As Modric urged his teammates to ‘pull ourselves together’ and ‘show our true colours,’ the focus now shifts to how Croatia will respond to this setback. Meanwhile, England will aim to build on this emphatic win, demonstrating consistency in their remaining Nations League fixtures as they continue to solidify their position at the top of Group A3.
Image: BBC
Sources consulted
- BBC: Luka Modric ‘ashamed’ of Croatia’s ‘catastrophic night’ against England
- Sky Sports: Reporter notebook: Why England’s 7-0 victory in Croatia is angrifying for every fan
- UEFA.com: UEFA Nations League Matchday 3 highlights, round-up: Harry Kane inspires England, Yamal sparks Spain
Bruno Kadez is a sports writer focused on performance, competition, and athlete insights. He covers major sporting events, player analysis, and trending stories across leagues. His reporting captures both the data and the emotion behind the game.
