England defeat Croatia 7-0 in Rijeka to inflict their heaviest loss in history

Record defeat in Rijeka

England secured a 7-0 victory over Croatia at Stadion HNK Rijeka on Saturday evening, inflicting the heaviest defeat in Croatian football history since the nation gained independence in 1991. The result eclipsed Croatia's previous record loss, a 6-0 defeat against Spain in September 2018. The match kicked off at 18:00 behind closed doors as part of a UEFA sanction against the Croatian federation for discriminatory and racist fan conduct, though local authorities permitted between 6,000 and 6,200 schoolchildren under the age of 14 to attend free of charge. Head coach Slaven Bilic faced mounting criticism as Croatia collapsed on home turf.

Attacking clinic by Tuchel's squad

Thomas Tuchel's front line dismantled the Croatian defense three months after England's World Cup semi-final exit against Argentina. Harry Kane and Bukayo Saka each scored two goals, while Anthony Gordon and Morgan Rogers added one goal apiece. Midfielder Jude Bellingham scored once and became the first English midfielder to register four goal involvements in a single match since David Platt against San Marino in 1993. Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott made his first senior international start, earning direct praise from Tuchel for his composure, mobility, and decision making in central midfield.

First start and what a start, what a performance. He is so smooth on the ball, his decision making is at the highest level.

Croatian reaction and captain's dismay

Croatia captain Luka Modric condemned his team's passive display, stating that the squad played as though they were down four or five players on the pitch. The 41-year-old AC Milan midfielder, who remains Croatia's most-capped international player, described the evening as catastrophic and warned that the team had damaged the reputation built over two decades. Modric urged his teammates to rediscover their pride, desire, and collective unity ahead of their next match.

It is difficult to find an explanation for such a performance without duels, fouls, aggressiveness, togetherness... I've been here for 20 years, but for the first time I feel ashamed after a game.

Group standings and upcoming fixtures

England conducted a recovery session on Sunday that included pilates exercises before travelling back to London to prepare for Tuesday's fixture against the Czech Republic at Wembley Stadium. Bayern Munich forward Harry Kane outlined the squad's ambition to maintain full intensity throughout the campaign in pursuit of the Nations League finals and preparations for the Euro 2028 tournament.

It is time to go full throttle and show not only ourselves, but all of Europe, that we are a truly dominant team. Performances like tonight will definitely prove that.

Spain lead Nations League A, Group Three with nine points from three matches after defeating Croatia 4-1 earlier in the week, securing passage to the quarter-finals where the top two teams advance. Spain returned to Madrid from Oviedo on Saturday night ahead of their trip to Split on Tuesday. England sit in second place, while Croatia remain third before hosting Spain. Spain and England are scheduled to meet for the group finale on 15 November at the Metropolitano in Madrid.