England crush Croatia 7-0; Spain beats Czechia 3-1 in Nations League
England delivered a historic rout in Rijeka while Spain extended their unbeaten run to 40 matches with a comeback win in Prague.
KEY POINTS
- England defeated Croatia 7-0 in Rijeka, the hosts' worst ever home loss.
- Harry Kane scored twice, reaching 89 international goals; Bukayo Saka also scored twice.
- Spain beat Czechia 3-1 in Prague, extending their unbeaten run to 40 matches.
- France drew 1-1 with Italy in Zidane's first home game; Upamecano sent off late.
- Belgium beat Turkey 3-0 with a brace from Kevin De Bruyne.
England thrashed Croatia 7-0 in Rijeka on Thursday, inflicting the hosts' heaviest ever home defeat. Harry Kane scored twice and reached 89 international goals, while Bukayo Saka also netted a brace and Jude Bellingham added a goal and two assists. England led 4-0 at half-time and cruised through the second half to top their League A group provisionally.
Spain maintained their unbeaten streak, now at 40 matches, by beating Czechia 3-1 in Prague. Lamine Yamal and Rodri gave the visitors a 2-0 lead before Patrik Schick pulled one back. A late goal by Mikel Merino, following a VAR review for a foul by Vasilis Fotias, sealed the win and kept Spain top of their group.
“England delivered a footballing display without precedent, scoring four goals in the first half alone.”
In earlier fixtures on Wednesday, France and Italy drew 1-1 at the Parc des Princes in Zinedine Zidane's first home match as France coach. Michael Olise put France ahead, but Alessandro Bastoni equalised for Italy. Dayot Upamecano was sent off for a second yellow card in the 85th minute, leaving France with ten men.
Belgium secured a comfortable 3-0 victory over Turkey in Brussels. Kevin De Bruyne scored twice, taking his career tally to 200 goals, and Romelu Lukaku added a third. The win moves Belgium into second place in their group behind France on goal difference.
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