England Thrash Croatia 7-0 in Record Nations League Victory

England produced a ruthless performance to defeat Croatia 7-0 in the UEFA Nations League, recording their biggest-ever victory in the competition.

The Group A3 encounter was played in Rijeka on Saturday, October 3, 2026, with Harry Kane and Bukayo Saka scoring twice as Thomas Tuchel’s side overwhelmed Croatia from start to finish.

The result also marked Croatia’s heaviest defeat in their international football history.

Kane Opens the Scoring

England took control early in the match, with captain Harry Kane opening the scoring in the eighth minute after a defensive error involving Croatia defender Joško Gvardiol.

Jude Bellingham doubled the lead in the 21st minute before Anthony Gordon added a third goal in the 39th minute.

Saka then struck shortly before half-time to send England into the break with a commanding 4-0 advantage.

The four first-half goals reflected England’s dominance in possession, pressing and attacking movement, while Croatia struggled to contain the pace and creativity of Tuchel’s team.

First-Half Scorers

• • Harry Kane — 8th minute
  • Jude Bellingham — 21st minute
  • Anthony Gordon — 39th minute
  • Bukayo Saka — 45th minute

England’s four different first-half scorers also represented a notable record. It was reportedly the first time since the team’s 2013 match against San Marino that four England players scored in the first half of a game, excluding own goals.

England Continue After the Break

England maintained their attacking intensity in the second half instead of protecting their lead.

Kane completed his brace in the 53rd minute after converting a low cross from Elliot Anderson.

Saka added England’s sixth goal in the 68th minute, completing his own brace and further increasing Croatia’s misery.

Substitute Morgan Rogers completed the scoring in the 87th minute after rounding goalkeeper Dominik Livaković before calmly finding the net.

Full-Time: Croatia 0-7 England

Historic Night for England, Record Defeat for Croatia

The emphatic result was England’s largest UEFA Nations League victory and their biggest win since defeating North Macedonia 7-0 in June 2023.

It also equalled England’s longest away winning streak, with the Three Lions recording nine consecutive victories away from home. The team previously achieved the same sequence between December 1965 and October 1967.

For Croatia, the defeat was a major setback. The 7-0 loss surpassed their previous heaviest home defeat, a 4-1 loss to England in September 2008.

Croatia, who have reached major tournament finals in recent years, were unable to cope with England’s high pressing, quick transitions and movement in attack.

Tuchel’s Side Respond in Group A3

The result was especially important for England after their 3-2 defeat to Spain at Wembley in their opening Group A3 match.

Tuchel’s team responded with a 2-0 victory over the Czech Republic before delivering their most convincing performance of the campaign against Croatia.

Kane and Saka were England’s standout attacking performers, but the contribution of Bellingham, Gordon, Anderson and Rogers also highlighted the depth within the squad.

Gordon’s goal continued his strong scoring form for England, with the Newcastle United forward reportedly finding the net in four consecutive international appearances.

The victory gives England a significant boost in confidence and goal difference as the Nations League group stage continues.

For Croatia, the focus will now shift to recovering from one of the most difficult results in the country’s football history.