Luka Modrić Lashes Out After England's Historic Rout
Luka Modrić did not hide his frustration after Croatia's 7-0 defeat to England, describing the performance as one of the most painful nights of his 20 years with the national team.
After the match, the veteran midfielder admitted that he had never experienced a similar feeling during his two decades representing his country.
“I've been here for 20 years, but this is the first time I've felt ashamed after a match,” Modrić admitted, while also describing the performance as a “catastrophic night.”
For the captain, the problem was not simply losing to an England side he currently considers superior, but the manner in which Croatia was outplayed for virtually the entire match.
England Hands Croatia the Heaviest Defeat in Its History
The scoreline perfectly reflected the difference between the two teams on the pitch. Harry Kane and Bukayo Saka scored braces, while Jude Bellingham, Anthony Gordon, and Morgan Rogers also found the net to complete the historic 7-0 victory.
Modrić was particularly critical of the team's lack of intensity and unity. He even said that at times it felt as though Croatia was playing with “four or five players fewer.”
However, the captain urged his teammates to avoid pointing fingers after the defeat. His message was to stay united and respond immediately, especially with the schedule offering little time to dwell on what happened.
Spain Will Be Croatia's Chance to Respond
The next challenge will be even more difficult. Croatia will host Spain in Split on Tuesday, October 6, in the UEFA Nations League, just three days after the crushing defeat to the Three Lions.
The Croatians are also well aware of the reigning world champions' quality. Spain already defeated them 4-1 in Seville on September 29, with Lamine Yamal scoring twice and Marc Pubill and Nico Williams also finding the net.
This time, the circumstances will be different. Croatia will play at home and enter the match desperate for a response after two consecutive defeats in which it conceded 11 goals.
“We have to pick ourselves up, regroup, and stay together,” Modrić said, knowing that the match against Spain will provide an immediate test of the team's ability to respond.
Bilić Also Comes Under Pressure
The historic defeat inevitably increases the pressure on Slaven Bilić, who only recently began his second spell in charge of Croatia during this edition of the UEFA Nations League.
After opening with a 2-1 victory over the Czech Republic, his team suffered a 4-1 defeat to Spain before conceding seven against England.
Bilić took responsibility for what happened in Rijeka and made it clear that his team must show a completely different side in its next match.
“Croatia does not deserve this. The responsibility is mine; I am the coach, and this is my country's national team,” the coach admitted.
Spain's visit to Split therefore represents much more than another group-stage match. For Modrić, Bilić, and the rest of the squad, it will be the first opportunity to prove that they can recover from a historic night to forget in Rijeka.
Croatia Looks to Bounce Back After a Historic Night
- Luka Modrić said he felt ashamed for the first time in 20 years with Croatia following the 7-0 defeat to England.
- The result in Rijeka became the heaviest defeat in the history of the Croatian national team.
- Croatia will have an immediate opportunity to respond on October 6 when it hosts Spain in Split in the UEFA Nations League.
