Croatia vs England produced one of England’s most emphatic performances under Thomas Tuchel as the visitors demolished Croatia 7-0 in a devastating UEFA Nations League display in Rijeka.
Harry Kane scored twice, Bukayo Saka also found the net twice, while Jude Bellingham, Anthony Gordon and Morgan Rogers completed a dominant victory that showcased England’s attacking depth and ruthlessness.
England had already responded to their opening defeat by Spain with a victory over the Czech Republic in Prague, but this performance represented a significant step forward under Tuchel.
The visitors were four goals ahead at half-time and continued attacking after the break, eventually recording their biggest victory of the campaign.
Croatia vs England turns into an attacking masterclass
England needed only eight minutes to take control.
Kane punished a defensive mistake from Manchester City defender Josko Gvardiol, taking Bellingham’s pass in his stride before firing a powerful finish high beyond Croatia goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic.
The early goal immediately placed pressure on Croatia, but England continued to exploit gaps in the home defence.
Bellingham doubled the advantage in the 21st minute after Gordon produced excellent work to bring Saka’s cross under control at the far post. The England midfielder was in the right position to finish from close range and make it 2-0.
Gordon then joined the goalscorers 18 minutes later.
The Newcastle United forward continued his excellent international form by heading Quansah’s precise cross into the far corner. It was Gordon’s fourth goal in four games for England, underlining the attacking threat he has developed under Tuchel.
England were showing no signs of slowing down, and Saka added a fourth just before half-time.
Bellingham supplied another dangerous delivery, allowing Saka to complete a straightforward finish and send England into the interval with a commanding 4-0 lead.
Kane and Saka continue England’s onslaught
Any possibility of a Croatian comeback disappeared quickly after the restart.
Kane scored his second goal eight minutes into the second half, arriving at the far post to turn Elliot Anderson’s cross into the net.
The England captain’s two goals demonstrated the quality of service he was receiving throughout the match, while his movement repeatedly caused problems for Croatia’s defenders.
Saka then scored again in the 68th minute to make it 6-0.
Croatia’s defensive problems continued to provide England with opportunities, and Saka needed little invitation to take advantage. His second goal completed another impressive individual performance on the right side of England’s attack.
Morgan Rogers then put the finishing touch on the victory in the 87th minute.
The substitute rounded Livakovic before finding the net, completing a remarkable 7-0 scoreline and ensuring England ended the night with seven different goalscoring moments despite Kane and Saka both scoring twice.
Bellingham provides another creative masterclass
While Kane and Saka received plenty of attention for their goals, Bellingham was equally important to England’s attacking performance.
The Real Madrid midfielder scored once and supplied a hattrick of assists during an outstanding individual display.
His first assist came when he played Kane through for the opening goal. He then delivered for Gordon’s goal before supplying Saka for England’s fourth.
Bellingham’s contribution demonstrated how influential he can be when given the freedom to move between midfield and the attacking areas.
His ability to combine physicality, creativity and intelligent movement gave Croatia significant problems throughout the match.
The performance also highlighted the depth of England’s attacking options. Gordon scored, Saka scored twice and Kane twice, while Rogers came off the bench to add another goal.
Tuchel receives perfect response from England
The result represented a major boost for Tuchel, who has been tasked with guiding England through another important international cycle.
After losing to Spain at Wembley, England responded with a win over the Czech Republic before producing this emphatic performance in Croatia.
The manner of the victory will be particularly pleasing to the manager.
England were not simply effective in front of goal. They consistently created opportunities, punished mistakes and maintained their attacking intensity even after establishing a four-goal advantage before half-time.
Croatia also struggled to cope defensively, but England’s movement and quality made the problems even more difficult to contain.
The match was officially labelled as being behind closed doors as a sanction against Croatian supporters following previous incidents, although around 6,000 schoolchildren and 100 visiting fans were permitted to attend.
For England, the unusual setting did little to affect their focus.
The victory also continued a striking run of form against Croatia. England had defeated the same opponents 4-2 in Dallas 108 days earlier, and this time they produced an even more convincing result.
The encounter ultimately became a statement performance from Tuchel’s side.
Kane’s finishing, Saka’s attacking threat, Gordon’s continued scoring form and Bellingham’s hattrick of assists combined to produce a seven-goal victory that will rank among England’s most impressive performances under their new manager.
