Luka Modric says Croatia defeat by England left him ‘ashamed’

Luka Modric said he felt ashamed for the first time in his 20-year Croatia career after their 7-0 defeat by England in the Nations League.

Croatia were heavily beaten by England in the third round of the League A competition, producing a performance Modric described as unacceptable.

“There were no challenges, no aggression and no unity,” Modric told reporters after the match. “I have been playing for the national team for 20 years and I have to say that, for the first time, I feel ashamed after a game.”

He said Croatia could accept being beaten by a stronger opponent, but not the manner of their defeat at the hands of England.

“You can lose and the opponent can be better than you, but to lose in this way and damage your reputation like this is unacceptable,” he added. “For the first time in 20 years, I truly feel ashamed.”

The midfielder said Croatia had failed to compete throughout the match, from the opening minutes until the final whistle.

“From the first minute to the last, we played like this, and this is not the way you can play football,” Modric said. “Even if you play with nine players, you cannot play like that, while we looked as if we were playing with only six or seven.

“It was a disastrous night.”

The result left Croatia third in the group with three points, behind England and leaders Spain.