Modric 'ashamed' as England hand Croatia their worst defeat in history: 7-0 in Rijeka

Croatia suffered a night to forget in Rijeka on Saturday. England tore through the hosts with a ruthless 7-0 victory, the most lopsided defeat the Croatian national team has ever endured. Captain Luka Modric, the country's most-capped player, did not hide his frustration and admitted he felt 'ashamed' after a Nations League display that fell far below the team's usual standards.

• England thrashed Croatia 7-0 in Rijeka, handing them the heaviest loss in their history.
• Luka Modric said he felt 'ashamed' for the first time in 20 years as an international.
• Harry Kane and Bukayo Saka scored twice; Bellingham, Gordon and Rogers also found the net.
• Thomas Tuchel singled out Alex Scott after his first start for England.
• Croatia face Spain in Split on Tuesday with immediate pressure to bounce back.

Croatia's worst defeat in history

The 7-0 loss against England surpassed Croatia's previous record defeat, a 6-0 reverse against Spain in 2018. Beyond the scoreline, the performance in Rijeka was alarming: Croatia were overrun from start to finish and offered little resistance against a side that looked sharper, faster and far more clinical.

Modric's brutal self-criticism: 'For the first time I feel ashamed'

The veteran AC Milan midfielder, now 41, pulled no punches when analysing what had gone wrong. After more than two decades representing Croatia, Modric said he had never felt that way after a 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.

Modric accepted that losing is part of football, especially against a superior rival, but stressed that the manner of the defeat was unacceptable for a team that had spent years building its reputation.

You can lose, or play against an opponent who is better – and they are right now. But in any case, losing like this and squandering the reputation we've built over the years is unacceptable.

The Croatia captain went further and described the evening as 'catastrophic', complaining that his side looked as though they were playing with several men fewer. It was a damning verdict that underlined the depth of the dressing room's frustration.

England enjoy Tuchel's style as Kane and Saka run riot

Thomas Tuchel's side delivered a dazzling attacking performance. Harry Kane and Bukayo Saka each scored twice, while Jude Bellingham, Anthony Gordon and Morgan Rogers joined them on the scoresheet. England controlled midfield and punished every Croatian defensive lapse with clinical efficiency.

Alex Scott shines on his first England start

Beyond the result, England's head coach was eager to highlight the contribution of Alex Scott. The Bournemouth midfielder made his first start for the Three Lions and left an excellent impression.

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

Tuchel praised the youngster's confidence, mobility and off-the-ball work, describing him as 'the complete package' in the centre of midfield.

What Croatia are playing for against Spain in Split

Croatia have no time to feel sorry for themselves. On Tuesday they host Spain in Split, a match that now doubles as a test of pride for Modric and his team-mates. Spain, the reigning world champions, have a perfect record in the Nations League after starting with a 4-1 win.

Croatia currently sit third in Group 3 of League A and need points to stay within reach of the qualification places. Modric called for an immediate response from the group.

We need to pull ourselves together, stay together because a new difficult game awaits us. And we have to show our true colours, that there is defiance and pride in us, desire, willingness, togetherness. These things cannot be lost overnight.

Frequently asked questions about England's 7-0 win over Croatia