Croatia captain Modrić calls 0-7 loss to England a disgrace

England visited Rijeka for a Nations League encounter and routed Croatia 0-7, delivering the most lopsided defeat the Croatian national team has ever endured. Luka Modrić, the 41-year-old captain who has been with the squad for two decades, described the result as a source of personal shame and issued a public apology. He stressed the need for the team to stay united and avoid blaming each other after such a humiliating performance.

The game was staged before an audience of children under 14, a consequence of a penalty imposed on Croatia's home venue. England's goals came from Harry Kane (two), Bukayo Saka, Antony, and a trio of assists by Jude Bellingham. Croatia must now regroup quickly ahead of a challenging match against Spain the following day.