England produced a commanding performance in Rijeka on Saturday, defeating Croatia 7–0 in the Nations League and handing the hosts the heaviest defeat in their history.
Harry Kane and Bukayo Saka scored twice each, while Jude Bellingham added a goal and played a major role in three other goals. Anthony Gordon and substitute Morgan Rogers also scored as England’s attack repeatedly exposed gaps in the
Croatian defence.
The result surpassed Croatia’s previous record defeat, a 6–0 loss to Spain in 2018. It also provided England with an important boost in their Nations League campaign as they continued their pursuit of Spain at the top of Group A3.
England made a fast start and took the lead in the eighth minute. Bellingham found Kane in space behind the Croatian defence, and the England captain finished calmly to put the visitors ahead.
Bellingham then doubled the advantage in the 21st minute. The midfielder remained heavily involved in England’s attacking play throughout the match, finding space and helping create opportunities for his teammates.
Gordon added a third goal before half-time, finishing from a cross by Jarell Quansah. Saka then made it 4–0 before the break, leaving Croatia with a difficult task in the second half.
England continued to control the game after the interval.
Kane scored his second goal in the 57th minute before Saka added another in the 68th. Rogers completed the scoring three minutes from full time, giving England their biggest victory over Croatia.
The performance was particularly impressive because England maintained their attacking intensity even after establishing a comfortable lead.
Kane said Croatia struggled to deal with England’s movement and pace.
“They couldn’t live with our pace, with our runs.”
The result also highlighted Bellingham’s influence. His goal and three assists gave him a direct involvement in four of England’s seven goals and made him one of the most influential players on the pitch.
For Croatia, the defeat was a difficult moment for a national team that has enjoyed considerable success in recent years.
Captain Luka Modrić said the performance was unacceptable and described the result as a particularly painful experience during his long international career. He acknowledged England’s superiority while expressing disappointment with the way Croatia competed.
The Croatian team now faces the challenge of responding quickly. Their next match is against Spain, another demanding opponent in the group.
Spain remain top of Group A3 after beating the Czech Republic 3–1. England moved to six points from three matches, while Croatia have three points.
The standings mean England still have work to do despite their emphatic victory. Spain have established an early advantage, making the remaining matches important for determining who will finish at the top of the group.
For Kane, the match was another significant occasion in an increasingly impressive international career.
“They couldn’t live with our pace, with our runs.” Harry Kane, England captain”
His two goals took his England tally to 89 goals in 124 appearances. The England captain remains the country’s leading international goalscorer and continues to play a central role in the team’s attack.
Saka’s contribution was also significant. The Arsenal forward scored twice and provided England with a consistent attacking threat on the right side.
His performance demonstrated the options available to England in the final third, particularly when combined with Kane’s movement and Bellingham’s ability to create chances from midfield.
The victory also offered encouragement to manager Thomas Tuchel. England have been expected to challenge strongly in the Nations League, and a seven-goal performance against a team of Croatia’s experience provides evidence of their attacking potential.
However, the result will need to be followed by consistent performances.
Croatia have been one of Europe’s strongest international teams over the past decade, reaching the World Cup final in 2018 and finishing third four years later. Their experienced squad includes several players who have competed at the highest level of European football.
The scale of the defeat therefore makes the result particularly significant.
For Croatia, the immediate task is to recover mentally and prepare for Spain. A strong response in the next match would help prevent the defeat from becoming a wider setback in their Nations League campaign.
England, meanwhile, can take confidence from a night in which their main attacking players combined effectively.
The team created chances from quick movement, accurate passing and runs behind the Croatian defence. Once England established their advantage, they continued to press forward rather than simply protecting the scoreline.
That approach ultimately produced one of the biggest victories in the history of the Nations League.
England now turn their attention to the remaining group matches, knowing that Spain remain ahead of them in the standings.
Croatia face a different challenge: rebuilding confidence after a record defeat and proving that the result was an isolated setback.
The 7–0 scoreline will remain the headline from Rijeka, but the significance of the match will ultimately depend on what both teams do next.
For England, the victory provides momentum and confidence. For Croatia, it presents an opportunity to respond.
