Croatia 7-0 England: Modric ‘Ashamed’ After Record Defeat in Rijeka
Croatia captain Luka Modric said he felt ashamed for the first time in his 20-year international career after his side crashed to a record 7-0 defeat by England in the UEFA Nations League at Stadion HNK Rijeka on Saturday. The Croatia 7-0 England defeat is the heaviest the country has suffered since becoming independent in 1991.
England were ruthless from the first whistle, racing into a 4-0 lead by half-time before adding three more after the break to complete a stunning night on the road.
Kane and Saka run riot
Harry Kane and Bukayo Saka scored two goals each as England tore Croatia apart. Anthony Gordon, Jude Bellingham and substitute Morgan Rogers were also on the scoresheet in a performance that left the home crowd stunned.
Modric, 41, was winning his 205th cap for Croatia but could do nothing to stop the collapse. He was substituted in the 57th minute with England already in complete control.
‘Unacceptable’, says Modric
The AC Milan midfielder did not hide after the match, facing reporters to deliver a brutally honest verdict on the performance.
“I’ve been with the national team for 20 years, and this is the first time I’ve felt ashamed after a match,” Modric said.
“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. I feel ashamed.”
The result was a painful contrast to Croatia’s famous victory over England in the 2018 World Cup semi-final, when Modric inspired his country to the final.
Fallout from the Croatia 7-0 England defeat
Croatia coach Slaven Bilic accepted responsibility after a result that capped a miserable run. Croatia have now conceded 12 goals in their last three matches, including a 4-1 defeat by Spain on Tuesday.
“Since taking over this summer, there have been issues — there certainly have. But the responsibility is mine … It was simply a collective blackout,” Bilic said.
There is no time to dwell on the defeat. Croatia host world champions Spain in Split on Tuesday in another huge test for Bilic’s struggling side.
When did England beat Croatia 7-0?
England beat Croatia 7-0 on Saturday, October 3, 2026, in a UEFA Nations League match at Stadion HNK Rijeka.
Who scored in England’s 7-0 win over Croatia?
Harry Kane and Bukayo Saka scored twice each, with Anthony Gordon, Jude Bellingham and Morgan Rogers also scoring.
What did Luka Modric say after the 7-0 defeat?
Modric said it was the first time in 20 years he had felt ashamed after a match, calling the performance unacceptable and saying it had damaged Croatia’s reputation.
Who do Croatia play next?
Croatia host world champions Spain in Split on Tuesday, October 6.
