Modric 'ashamed' after Croatia's 7-0 Nations League rout by England
Luka Modric called Croatia's 7-0 home defeat by England a catastrophic night and said he felt ashamed for the first time in his 20-year international career.
Croatia captain Luka Modric described his side's 7-0 Nations League defeat at home to England in Rijeka as a "catastrophic night" and said he felt "ashamed" of the performance. The AC Milan midfielder, who was winning his 205th cap, said it was the first time in 20 years as an international that he had experienced such an emotion.
Modric, 41, recently agreed to extend his international career under returning manager Slaven Bilic. He said the team lacked duels, fouls, aggression and togetherness, and that Croatia looked as though they had several players fewer. He added that losing while squandering the reputation built over the years was unacceptable.
By the time Modric was substituted in the 57th minute, Croatia were already 5-0 down. Harry Kane scored twice, with Jude Bellingham, Anthony Gordon and Bukayo Saka also on target before the break. Saka added another and Morgan Rogers completed the scoring as the hosts conceded seven without reply.
Croatia had begun Bilic's second spell with a 2-1 Nations League win away to the Czech Republic, a result that put them above England in Group A3. That was followed by a 4-1 loss away to world champions Spain, leaving them level on points with Thomas Tuchel's England before Saturday's humiliating result.
With the top two qualifying for the latter stages, Croatia had a chance to take pole position to beat England to a quarter-final place. Instead, supporters voiced their frustration at the performance, though their criticism remained an opinion rather than a verified account of events on the pitch.
Modric said the team must pull themselves together and stay united because a difficult game awaits. Croatia, currently third in the table and battling to retain their top-tier status, next host Spain in Split on Tuesday, then finish the campaign away to England on 12 November and at home to the Czech Republic on 15 November.
Image: Reuters / BBC Sport
