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Luka Modric 'ashamed' after Croatia's 7-0 defeat to England

Croatia captain Luka Modric admits feeling ashamed for the first time in 20 years following a humiliating 7-0 defeat to England in Rijeka.

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05 Oct 2026Source: BBC Sport2 min read (0 views)
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Luka Modric 'ashamed' after Croatia's 7-0 defeat to England

Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event

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  • Luka Modric admits feeling ashamed for the first time in 20 years
  • Croatia suffered a heavy 7-0 defeat against England in Rijeka
  • Harry Kane scored twice in the UEFA Nations League match
  • Croatia sits third in Group A3 and prepares to face Spain

Luka Modric confessed to feeling a deep sense of shame for the first time in his 20-year international career, describing the heavy defeat as a catastrophic night after Croatia fell apart against England.

Playing in his 205th international appearance under returning manager Slaven Bilic, the 41-year-old midfielder watched in disbelief as his team struggled in Rijeka, conceding five goals before he was substituted off in the 57th minute.

England dominated the match with an attacking masterclass, featuring two goals from Harry Kane alongside strikes from Jude Bellingham, Anthony Gordon, Bukayo Saka, and Morgan Rogers to complete the 7-0 scoreline.

soccer stadium floodlights night match crowd no team crest

Photo by Vishal Butolia / Unsplash

0-7Croatia's heavy defeat
41Age of Luka Modric
205Caps for Croatia

Croatia had previously kicked off Bilic's second spell with a 2-1 win over the Czech Republic and a 4-1 loss to world champions Spain, remaining level on points with Thomas Tuchel's England before this weekend's setback.

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"We need to pull ourselves together, stay together because a new difficult game awaits us."

Luka Modric

With Croatia now sitting third in Group A3, the team faces a tough battle to retain their status in the top tier. Their campaign continues as they host Spain in Split on Tuesday, followed by away matches against England and a home fixture against the Czech Republic.

This 7-0 defeat highlights a significant vulnerability in Croatia's squad as they transition under Slaven Bilic. The heavy loss emphasizes the urgent need for tactical adjustments and renewed defensive stability if Modric and his teammates wish to maintain their top-tier standing in European football.

Source: BBC Sport

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