England delivered a commanding 7-0 victory over Croatia in a Nations League match held Sunday at Stadion HNK Rijeka, marking the largest win under manager Thomas Tuchel’s tenure. The game, played behind closed doors due to previous crowd disturbances involving Croatian supporters, featured a limited audience of around 6,000 local schoolchildren and 100 England fans, resulting in a subdued atmosphere.

The English side exhibited a dominant performance from start to finish, with captain Harry Kane and Bukayo Saka both scoring twice. Kane’s goals extended his national team record to 89, and he is poised to equal Peter Shilton’s appearance record for England if selected for the upcoming match. Jude Bellingham, restored to the starting lineup following the 2-0 win over the Czech Republic earlier in the week, contributed with a goal and three assists. Additional goals came from Anthony Gordon and Morgan Rogers, helping to complete the emphatic victory.

Tuchel praised his team’s comprehensive display, highlighting their relentless pressure, fluid attacking play, and disciplined defending. “That was a 90-minute performance at the highest level from everyone,” Tuchel said, noting the squad’s ability to maintain intensity and clinical finishing throughout the match. He also emphasized the team’s humility and attention to the fundamentals as key factors behind their success.

Captain Kane echoed the manager’s assessment, underlining England’s physical dominance and consistency in controlling the match both with and without the ball. He pointed to the team’s style, characterized by pace and aggressive runs, as overwhelming Croatia’s defense and midfield. Kane described the international camp as somewhat unusual due to its length but praised the squad’s focus despite the relaxed setting near the Adriatic Sea.

England, currently seeking a top-two finish in their Nations League group to advance to the quarter-finals in March, will conclude the three-week international break with a home fixture against the Czech Republic. The upcoming match at Wembley is expected to draw a more vocal crowd in contrast to the quiet setting in Rijeka.

The Croatian team, composed of an aging squad and lacking cohesion, struggled to contain England’s high tempo and creative attacking approach throughout the encounter. England’s ability to exploit defensive gaps and maintain pressure contributed significantly to the lopsided scoreline, affirming their status as strong contenders in the Nations League campaign.