England Hand Croatia Biggest Ever Defeat

Thomas Tuchel's England side delivered a crushing blow to Croatia's hopes of Nations League glory by handing them their biggest ever defeat.

The game at Stadion HNK Rijeka was initially scheduled behind closed doors due to Uefa's punishment for the country's fans following racist and discriminatory behaviour last year, but 6,200 local schoolchildren were allowed in free of charge.

England's front four combined in devastating fashion, with Harry Kane and Bukayo Saka each scoring twice, while Jude Bellingham made history by becoming the first midfielder to register four goal involvements in a game since David Platt achieved it against San Marino in 1993.

Anthony Gordon and Morgan Rogers also found the net as England dominated the match. The team's performance has further solidified their grip on second place in their Nations League group, with qualification for next year's finals looking increasingly likely.

Tuchel praised his players' ability to bounce back from a limp World Cup semi-final defeat to Argentina. He believes that this extended international break has given them the opportunity to put their disappointment behind them and move forward.

The manager said that England's performance in Croatia was a testament to how far they have come since the World Cup, where they were defeated by Lionel Messi's Argentina.

Thomas Tuchel hailed England's comprehensive 6-0 victory over Croatia as a complete performance that showcased their pressing game, invention in possession, and rapid counterattacks.

The manager praised Harry Kane for his intense playstyle, which he said is reminiscent of the Premier League level, and noted that the team has the conviction to play this way. Tuchel also highlighted England's ability to push forward with a high tempo, which gives them an edge over their opponents.

Tuchel's comments were echoed by Alex Scott, who made his full debut in midfield and put in an impressive performance. The 23-year-old midfielder was described as "so smooth on the ball" and praised for his decision-making and confidence on the pitch.

Scott's first start was a memorable one, and he revealed that facing Luka Modric was a surreal experience. Despite struggling against England, Modric is widely regarded as one of the best players in the world, and Scott said it was an honour to be on the same pitch as him.

Tuchel acknowledged that playing with such a high tempo carries risks, but believes his team can manage them effectively. He praised Scott's work rate off the ball, which he said made the midfielder a complete package.

The manager's comments suggest that England's performance against Croatia was a testament to their growth and development since the World Cup.

England's captain Harry Kane praised his team's attitude after their convincing 3-0 win over Croatia, a result that suggests they are moving on from their World Cup woes.

The match was a stark contrast to Croatia's previous defeat against Spain, and Kane believes this performance showcases the growth of England's players. He noted that many Croatian players were rested for the Spain game, which may have made them more eager to perform against England.