England produced their most ruthless performance under Thomas Tuchel, thrashing Croatia 7-0 at Stadion HNK Rijeka to climb to second place in their Nations League group and inflict the hosts' heaviest defeat in their history.
The contest was played in unusual circumstances, with Croatia serving a stadium ban following fan misconduct during last season's competition. Around 6,200 local children were admitted free of charge, replacing what would normally have been a raucous home crowd, and they ended up watching their side dismantled by a rampant England attack.
Harry Kane was at the heart of the destruction, netting twice to bring up his 88th and 89th international goals in his 124th appearance, while also playing a part in several other strikes. Bukayo Saka matched him with a brace of his own, and Anthony Gordon continued his hot streak by scoring for the fourth consecutive match. Jude Bellingham also got on the scoresheet in addition to setting up multiple goals, and substitute Morgan Rogers rounded off the scoring late on.
England were ahead inside eight minutes. Marc Guéhi intercepted a stray pass from Josko Gvardiol, and Bellingham quickly found Kane, who finished confidently past goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic. The captain's early strike set the tone for a first half in which England's pressing overwhelmed Croatia and the hosts, managed by Slaven Bilic, struggled to build any meaningful attacks.
Bellingham doubled the advantage in the 21st minute, stabbing home from close range after Gordon controlled a Saka cross and squared it into the box. Jarell Quansah, deputizing for Trent Alexander-Arnold at right-back, then delivered a teasing cross for Gordon to head in a third, continuing his impressive recent form in an England shirt.
Croatia briefly threatened before the break when Mateo Kovacic rounded goalkeeper Jordan Pickford but could only shoot wide. England responded immediately, however, as Kane dropped deep to launch a swift counterattack that ended with Bellingham squaring for Saka to tap in just before half-time, making it 4-0 at the interval.
The second half brought no respite for the home side. Anderson surged down the right flank and crossed for Kane to stretch and convert his second of the night. Kane later turned provider himself, teeing up Saka for his second goal of the match in the 68th minute to make it 6-0. Bellingham, who had been rested for the previous match against Czechia, remained influential until late in the game, threading a pass through for substitute Morgan Rogers to complete the scoring and seal the 7-0 margin.
Beyond the headline performers, Tuchel also saw encouraging displays from several fringe players. Alex Scott impressed on his full debut, showing composure and tenacity in midfield even when matched up against veteran Luka Modric, who was eventually substituted as Croatia's heaviest defeat unfolded. Elliot Anderson also stood out alongside Scott, with the pair's understanding dating back to England's Under-21 European Championship triumph.
The result moves England up to second in their Nations League A3 group, strengthening their position as they eye qualification for next year's quarter-finals. Kane, meanwhile, is closing in on Peter Shilton's England appearance record, with his 125th cap expected when England host Czechia next.
Based on reporting from The Guardian and The Standard.