Modric admits feeling ‘ashamed’ after Croatia suffer record 7-0 defeat to England
Luka Modric has admitted he felt “ashamed” for the first time in his 20-year international career after Croatia suffered a record 7-0 defeat against England.
The Three Lions produced a ruthless attacking performance in Rijeka on Saturday, handing Croatia their heaviest defeat in their history, either home or away.
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Modric, earning his 205th international cap, described the performance as a “catastrophic night” and criticised Croatia’s lack of intensity and togetherness.
Modric condemns Croatia performance
“You can’t play football like that… we looked like we had four or five players less,” Modric said.
“It is difficult to find an explanation for such a performance without duels, fouls, aggressiveness, togetherness.
“I’ve been here for 20 years, but for the first time I feel ashamed after a game.”
England tore Croatia apart with goals from Jude Bellingham, Anthony Gordon and Morgan Rogers, while Harry Kane and Bukayo Saka both scored twice.
Modric, who has enjoyed one of the most decorated careers in modern football, was substituted in the 57th minute with Croatia already 5-0 down.
The 41-year-old accepted that England are currently the stronger side but insisted the manner of Croatia’s defeat was unacceptable.
“You can lose, or play against an opponent who is better – and they are right now,” he said.
“But in any case, losing like this and squandering the reputation we’ve built over the years is unacceptable… [it was a] catastrophic night [for Croatia].”
Croatia face Spain after England humiliation
Croatia have little time to recover from the heavy defeat, with world champions Spain waiting in Split on Tuesday.
Modric called on his team-mates to respond quickly and rediscover the qualities that have defined Croatia in recent years.
“We need to pull ourselves together, stay together because a new difficult game awaits us,” he said.
“We have to show our true colours, that there is defiance and pride in us, desire, willingness, togetherness, these things cannot be lost overnight.”
The defeat leaves Croatia facing a difficult test against Spain as they look to put their worst-ever result behind them and respond in the Nations League.