Luka Modric has expressed deep embarrassment over Croatia’s performance after suffering a 7-0 defeat to England in the UEFA Nations League on Saturday.
The 41-year-old AC Milan midfielder, making his 205th appearance for his country, stated that the humbling loss in Rijeka was the first time in his two-decade international career that he felt such intense shame.
“You can’t play football like that… we looked like we had four or five players less,” Modric said. “It is difficult to find an explanation for such a performance without duels, fouls, aggressiveness, togetherness. I’ve been here for 20 years, but for the first time I feel ashamed after a game.”
Croatia entered the match level on points with England at the top of Nations League Group A3. However, Thomas Tuchel’s side seized control early, leading 5-0 by the time Modric was substituted in the 57th minute. Goals came from Harry Kane, who scored twice, alongside Jude Bellingham, Anthony Gordon, and Bukayo Saka.
After watching from the bench as Morgan Rogers and Saka added to the tally, Modric reflected on the disparity. “You can lose, or play against an opponent who is better – and they are right now,” he admitted. “But in any case, losing like this and squandering the reputation we’ve built over the years is unacceptable… [it was a] catastrophic night [for Croatia].”
The result follows a mixed start to Slaven Bilic’s second tenure as manager. Croatia had opened their campaign with a 2-1 away victory over the Czech Republic but suffered a 4-1 defeat to world champions Spain prior to the England clash.
Croatia now sits third in the group standings and faces a fight to remain in the top tier of the Nations League. Their upcoming fixtures include hosting Spain in Split on Tuesday, followed by a return trip to face England on November 12 and a home match against the Czech Republic on November 15.
“We need to pull ourselves together, stay together because a new difficult game awaits us,” Modric urged. “We have to show our true colours, that there is defiance and pride in us, desire, willingness, togetherness, these things cannot be lost overnight.”
Is this really the same Croatia side that reached the World Cup final? Feels like a different generation took over too quickly.
7-0 is brutal for any national team. Modric’s honesty here really shows his character and love for the badge.