Modric 'ashamed' after England hand Croatia record 7-0 defeat

Luka Modric said he felt ashamed for the first time in 20 years with Croatia after England beat his side 7-0 in Rijeka.

The Croatia captain called it a catastrophic night. He was speaking after the heaviest defeat in his country's history, in the Nations League, UEFA's competition for national teams played between major tournaments BBC Sport.

England were ruthless on Saturday 3 October. Harry Kane scored twice, with Jude Bellingham, Anthony Gordon and Bukayo Saka adding one each to make it 5-0. Saka struck again and Morgan Rogers completed the scoring for Thomas Tuchel's side BBC Sport.

Modric did not see it all out. The 41-year-old AC Milan midfielder was substituted in the 57th minute with Croatia already five goals down. It was his 205th appearance for his country.

That milestone made the night cut deeper. Modric had recently agreed to extend his international career under returning manager Slaven Bilic, now in his second spell in charge.

It had started well. Croatia opened Bilic's second spell with a 2-1 win away to the Czech Republic, a result that put them above England in Group A3. Then came a 4-1 loss away to Spain. Croatia were still level on points with England before kick-off in Rijeka.

The context explains why Modric's words landed so hard. He led Croatia to second place at the 2018 World Cup and third place in 2022. For two decades he has been the calm at the centre of their midfield.

This was different. Croatia fell to third in the group table after the defeat, with England moving clear BBC Sport.

What makes this stand out is the honesty. Veterans rarely use that word. Ashamed. And never after 20 years without saying it once.

For fans, this means a quick reset. Croatia host Spain in Split next, then travel to England on 12 November before finishing at home to the Czech Republic on 15 November. Three games to change the story of this group.