Overview
- England defeated Croatia 7-0 in Rijeka on Saturday, with Harry Kane and Bukayo Saka scoring twice and Jude Bellingham, Anthony Gordon and Morgan Rogers also on the scoresheet.
- The visitors led 4-0 at halftime after dominating the first half with quick wing play, crosses and Bellingham-created chances that repeatedly exposed Croatia's defence.
- The scoreline is Croatia's worst-ever loss since becoming an independent national team, surpassing the 6-0 defeat by Spain in 2018.
- Organizers admitted groups of local minors under a UEFA exemption to a stadium ban, bringing about 6,000 children to Stadion HNK Rijeka instead of the general public.
- Captain Luka Modric said he felt 'ashamed' after the match and media coverage says Bilic's short tenure now faces intense scrutiny ahead of Croatia's next game against Spain and England's tie with the Czech Republic.