Croatia suffers historic 7-0 defeat to England in Nations League

Croatia lost 7-0 to England in a Nations League match in Rijeka on Saturday, marking the heaviest defeat in the national team's history. The result follows a 4-1 loss to Spain, leaving Croatia with three points from three games in League A Group 1.

Head coach Slaven Bilic described the evening as a 'total blackout' where his team failed to match England in aggression, technique, or fitness. He urged his players to remember the humiliation for the rest of their lives to ensure it never recurs.

“For the first time in 20 years I feel profound shame after a match.”

Captain Luka Modric, 41, delivered a scathing assessment, stating he felt 'profound shame' for the first time in his 20-year international career. He criticized the team's lack of duels, aggression, and unity, calling the performance unacceptable regardless of the opponent's quality.

Local media reported an explosive atmosphere at Rujevica stadium, with fans chanting for Bilic's resignation immediately after the final whistle. Publications labeled the display the worst match in the national team's history.

England, managed by Thomas Tuchel, secured their second win in the group. Croatia defender Josip Stanisic had praised Tuchel's simple but effective tactical approach ahead of the fixture.