Written by
WorldCupSpain Editorial Team
Reviewed by
WorldCupSpain Editorial Desk
Updated
October 13, 2026
Methodology
Corrections
England produced one of the most emphatic competitive away performances in their recent history by defeating Croatia 7-0 in Rijeka in the UEFA Nations League.Harry Kane and Bukayo Saka both scored twice as England turned a difficult-looking away fixture into a record defeat for Croatia.
WHAT HAPPENED
England established control early and never allowed Croatia to recover.
Kane opened the scoring after being supplied by Jude Bellingham. Bellingham then added a goal of his own as England increased the pressure.
Anthony Gordon scored England's third before Saka made it 4-0 prior to half-time.
There was no reduction in intensity after the interval.
Kane scored his second goal, Saka added another and substitute Morgan Rogers completed the scoring.
The final result was Croatia 0-7 England.
UEFA described it as a record defeat for Croatia.
KEY CONTEXT
Croatia have been one of Europe's most competitive national teams across several major tournaments, particularly in matches where experience and game management are important.
That makes the margin especially striking.
England did not simply win. They repeatedly created goals through different players and different areas of the pitch.
Kane provided the finishing expected from England's captain, Saka added direct attacking threat, while Bellingham contributed both creatively and as a scorer.
The involvement of Gordon and Rogers increased the range of England's attacking options.
WHY IT MATTERS
Large victories can sometimes tell little about a team's real level when the opposition is weak. This result is different because Croatia possess significant international experience and were playing at home.
England's ability to maintain pressure after establishing a comfortable lead was therefore significant.
The performance also gave Tuchel evidence that England can attack aggressively away from home rather than relying only on control and caution.
WORLDCUPSPAIN ANALYSIS
England's biggest challenge has often been converting talented squads into sustained attacking performances in major international matches.
The Croatia game showed what is possible when their best attacking players connect quickly and continue taking risks after scoring.
The most encouraging detail was not the seventh goal. It was that England continued playing with purpose at 3-0, 4-0 and 5-0.
That mentality can matter in tournament football because goal difference, momentum and confidence are often shaped by how teams manage matches they already appear to have won.
One extraordinary night does not guarantee future success, but England produced a performance that other leading European teams will notice.
WHAT HAPPENS NEXT
England's Nations League campaign continues through the remaining group matches. The challenge will be reproducing the same concentration and attacking efficiency when opponents defend deeper and give England less space.