Croatia suffered a historic 7-0 defeat on Saturday, marking the heaviest loss in the nation’s football history. The match, deeply disappointing for Croatian players and fans alike, prompted a rare public expression of shame from veteran midfielder Luka Modric. The 41-year-old, who has been a key figure in Croatian football for two decades, was in the starting lineup and openly criticized the team's performance.

Modric described the display as lacking essential elements such as duels, fouls, aggression, and team cohesion. "It is difficult to find an explanation for a performance like that," he said. "I have been here for 20 years but it is the first time I have felt ashamed after a match. Throwing away the reputation we’ve built up over all these years is unacceptable." His comments underscored the severity of the defeat and the impact it had on the team’s morale.

In a related development ahead of England’s upcoming fixture against the Czech Republic, manager Thomas Tuchel has called up defender Rico Lewis to the national squad. Lewis was brought in following the withdrawal of fellow Manchester City player Nico O’Reilly due to injury. The match against the Czech Republic is scheduled for Sunday, and this last-minute change reflects the ongoing challenges faced by the England squad as they prepare for the contest.

The events highlight a period of turbulence for Croatian football while England looks to adjust its lineup amid injury setbacks. Both teams now face critical moments as they attempt to rebound and maintain their competitive edge in upcoming international fixtures.