Modric ‘ashamed’ after Croatia suffer record 7-0 Nations League loss to England

Luka Modric said he felt “ashamed” for the first time in his 20-year international career after Croatia were beaten 7-0 by England in the Nations League on Saturday.

The Croatia captain was making his 205th appearance for his country, but could not prevent a humiliating defeat in Rijeka as England recorded one of their most emphatic victories.

Harry Kane and Bukayo Saka both scored twice, while Jude Bellingham, Anthony Gordon and Morgan Rogers were also on the scoresheet. The result was Croatia’s heaviest defeat since the country became independent in 1991.

“It is difficult to find an explanation for such a performance without duels, fouls, aggressiveness and togetherness,” said the 41-year-old Modric.

“I’ve been here for 20 years, but for the first time I feel ashamed after a game.

“You can lose, or play against an opponent who is better – and they are right now. But losing like this and ruining the reputation we’ve built over the years is unacceptable.”

England took control after only eight minutes. Kane controlled a pass from Bellingham before curling an excellent finish into the top corner.

Bellingham then added a second, with Gordon heading in a cross from Jarell Quansah before Saka made it 4-0 before half-time.

Kane scored again soon after the restart and Saka completed his brace in the 68th minute. Rogers then added England’s seventh goal to complete the rout.

Modric was replaced in the 57th minute, leaving him to watch from the substitutes’ bench as England scored twice more.

The result followed Croatia’s 4-1 defeat by Spain just days earlier and increased the pressure on coach Slaven Bilic during his second spell in charge.

Bilic accepted responsibility for the collapse but said there was no single reason for the performance.

“Since taking over this summer, there have been issues – there certainly have. But the responsibility is mine,” he said.

“It was simply a collective blackout.”

The defeat was a major reversal from Croatia’s recent history against England. Modric helped Croatia eliminate the Three Lions in the semi-finals of the 2018 World Cup, when they went on to finish runners-up, and also played a part in their run to third place at the 2022 World Cup.

Croatia face Spain again on Tuesday, and Modric urged his team-mates to respond collectively rather than continue looking for blame.

“We need to come together and stay together because another difficult game awaits us,” he said.

“We have to show our true colours – that we have fight and pride, desire, willpower and unity. You can’t lose that overnight.”