England run riot in Croatia as Tuchel's side win Nations League clash 7-0

England run riot in Croatia as Tuchel's side win Nations League clash 7-0

The match was officially staged behind closed doors as punishment for previous misconduct by Croatia supporters, although around 6,000 schoolchildren and 100 travelling England fans were allowed inside the stadium.

Having lost their opening fixture against Spain at Wembley before responding with victory over the Czech Republic in Prague, England raised their performance to another level against Croatia.

Harry Kane set the tone after just eight minutes, pouncing on a mistake from Manchester City defender Josko Gvardiol. The England captain collected Jude Bellingham's pass before beating goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic.

Bellingham doubled the advantage in the 21st minute, finishing from close range after Anthony Gordon had controlled Bukayo Saka's cross at the far post.

Gordon then added a third when he headed Jarell Quansah's delivery into the net, extending his scoring run to four goals in four matches.

England continued to overwhelm their opponents, with Saka making it 4-0 shortly before the interval by converting another Bellingham assist.

The visitors showed no signs of easing off after the restart. Kane struck again eight minutes into the second half, sliding in at the far post to meet Elliot Anderson's cross.

Croatia's defensive problems persisted and Saka took advantage of another error to claim his second and England's sixth.

Substitute Morgan Rogers completed the rout after rounding Livakovic, giving the scoreline an even more emphatic appearance.

The 7-0 triumph came 108 days after England had beaten Croatia 4-2 at the World Cup in Dallas and provided Tuchel with a highly satisfying night.

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