England Thrash Croatia in Tuchel’s Best Performance
The match was officially behind closed doors because of a punishment for Croatia supporters. However, around 6,000 schoolchildren and 100 visiting England fans were allowed into the stadium.
England quickly took control of the game. Harry Kane opened the scoring after just eight minutes. He took advantage of a mistake by Croatia defender Josko Gvardiol and fired Jude Bellingham’s pass into the net.
Bellingham then made it 2-0 after 21 minutes. Anthony Gordon did well to control Bukayo Saka’s cross before Bellingham finished from close range.
Gordon scored England’s third goal with a header from Jarell Quansah’s excellent cross.
England continued to attack and Saka added a fourth goal just before half-time after receiving a pass from Bellingham.
Kane scored his second goal eight minutes into the second half. He slid in at the far post to meet Elliot Anderson’s cross.
Croatia’s defence continued to struggle, and Saka scored his second goal to make it 6-0.
Substitute Morgan Rogers completed the scoring when he went around goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic and found the net.
The result gave England a perfect response after their opening Nations League defeat by Spain. They had already beaten the Czech Republic in Prague, but their performance against Croatia was on another level.
England’s attacking players were particularly impressive. Kane scored twice and also helped create a goal, while Saka scored twice. Gordon continued his excellent form by scoring again, and Bellingham produced a brilliant performance with one goal and three assists.
Croatia had previously been very difficult to beat at home. They had never lost in Rijeka and had suffered only four home defeats in their previous 41 matches.
However, they struggled to cope with England’s pace and attacking quality.
There was also a positive sign for Tuchel in the way England continued to attack throughout the match. Their forward players looked confident and dangerous, giving the manager plenty to be pleased about.
For England, it was a memorable night and a major boost in the Nations League.
