Rijeka, October 4, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Croatia’s most-capped player Luka Modric has expressed deep disappointment with his team’s performance after England inflicted a humiliating 7-0 defeat on the hosts in the UEFA Nations League.
Modric, making his 205th appearance for Croatia, was left frustrated as England repeatedly exposed the home side’s defence with a relentless attacking display.
“You can’t play football like that. We looked like we had four or five players less,” Modric said, describing a performance he found difficult to explain.
“It is difficult to find an explanation for such a performance without duels, fouls, aggressiveness and togetherness. I’ve been here for 20 years, but for the first time I feel ashamed after a game,” he added.
The veteran midfielder acknowledged that England are currently the stronger side but said Croatia’s manner of defeat was unacceptable.
“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,” Modric said.
England took control early when Harry Kane finished after being played through by Jude Bellingham in the eighth minute. Bellingham then turned scorer in the 21st minute, while Anthony Gordon headed in England’s third before half-time.
Bukayo Saka made it 4-0 just before the break following a quick counter-attack. Kane added his second after the interval before Saka also completed his brace, with substitute Morgan Rogers rounding off the rout three minutes from time.
The result marked England’s second victory over Croatia in 2026, following their World Cup win in Dallas earlier this year.
Croatia had opened their Nations League campaign with a 2-1 away victory over the Czech Republic but were then beaten 4-1 by world champions Spain. Saturday’s defeat left them third in Group A3 and facing a battle to retain their place in the competition’s top tier.
FOLLOW NOW
