Kane and Saka Bag Braces as England Dismantle Croatia 7-0 in Nations League

A night in Rijeka that promised little turned into a historic demolition for Croatia. Led by a ruthless Harry Kane and a majestic Jude Bellingham, England ran out 7-0 winners to tighten their grip on second place in their Nations League group and move a step closer to next year's quarter-finals. The 6,200 local schoolchildren invited into the stadium watched their team suffer the heaviest defeat in Croatian football history.

• Kane marked his 124th cap with his 88th and 89th international goals.
• Bellingham finished the night with one goal and three assists.
• Bukayo Saka scored twice and Anthony Gordon added a goal and an assist.
• Croatia conceded their biggest ever defeat as a national team.
• England strengthened their hold on second place and edged closer to the quarter-finals.

Kane and Bellingham Forge a Devastating Partnership

Harry Kane continues to redefine his own legacy. His brace in Rijeka leaves him one cap away from equalling Peter Shilton's all-time England appearance record, a mark he can reach on Tuesday against Czechia. At 33, the striker showed once again that he remains the focal point of Tuchel's attacking project and that age is doing little to slow him down.

Alongside him, Bellingham produced a masterclass in control and influence. The Real Madrid midfielder had a direct hand in four of England's seven goals and dictated the tempo from the opening whistle. One moment stood out above the rest: Bellingham went shoulder to shoulder with Luka Modric, his former teammate in Spain, and simply eased the 41-year-old aside. The image captured the generational shift between two midfield icons.

How England Broke Croatia Wide Open in 30 Minutes

There was no feeling-out period. Marc Guéhi intercepted a loose pass from Josko Gvardiol early on, Bellingham scanned the field and slid a neat ball through for Kane, who powered his finish past Livakovic in the eighth minute. The young crowd responded with boos and thumbs down, but the gesture did nothing to alter the direction of the contest.

Bellingham made it 2-0 in the 21st minute after a flowing move that began with a Saka cross, a superb piece of control from Anthony Gordon and a low delivery into the six-yard box. Croatia were already sinking. Jarell Quansah then answered his critics with a teasing ball for Gordon to head home and put the result beyond any doubt.

Saka Joins the Party While Alex Scott Shines on Full Debut

Croatia had their only real chance of the first half when Elliot Anderson's mistake allowed Mateo Kovacic through on goal. The former Chelsea man rounded Jordan Pickford but somehow dragged his shot wide. England made him pay instantly: Kane dropped deep to start a counter-attack, Bellingham toyed with the defence and crossed for Saka to make it 4-0 before the break.

One of the most encouraging signs for Tuchel was the full debut of Alex Scott. The 23-year-old Bournemouth midfielder played with remarkable composure for a player facing Luka Modric. His energy, pressing and one gorgeous defence-splitting pass for Gordon served as a reminder that England's midfield rebuild is already underway. Scott is making a strong case for a permanent role.

A Rout That Confirms England's New Direction

The second half offered no respite for the hosts. Anderson burst down the right and squared for Kane to tap in the fifth. With Modric already withdrawn, a symbolic substitution given the gulf in energy, Kane returned the favour for Saka to make it six in the 68th minute. Substitute Morgan Rogers completed the scoring after another sharp pass from Bellingham.

The performance echoed the best moments of England's World Cup win over Croatia, when a strong second half turned a difficult game. In Rijeka, however, that intensity lasted the full 90 minutes. England's Nations League hopes are now firmly in their own hands, and the sense that Tuchel's team is finding its true identity is becoming harder to ignore.

Frequently Asked Questions About England's Win Over Croatia