Bukayo Saka and Harry Kane both scored twice as England thrashed Croatia 7-0 in the Nations League on Saturday.
Thomas Tuchel’s side tore Croatia apart in Rijeka to claim their second victory in three matches in their Nations League group.
England captain Kane’s brace took his record international tally to 89 goals, but the Bayern Munich striker was far from the only standout performer.
Arsenal winger Saka also struck twice, while Real Madrid midfielder Jude Bellingham capped an outstanding display with a goal and three assists.
Bellingham was restored to the starting line-up after being rested for Tuesday’s 2-0 win over the Czech Republic and quickly justified Tuchel’s decision with an influential performance.
Anthony Gordon was also on target, making it four goals in his last four appearances for England, before Morgan Rogers completed the rout.
The victory strengthened England’s hopes of finishing in the top two and securing a place in the Nations League quarter-finals in March.
England will conclude the international break against the Czech Republic at Wembley on Tuesday, in what should be a livelier occasion than Saturday’s match in Rijeka.
The game was played behind closed doors as a punishment following crowd trouble involving Croatia supporters during a 2025 match against France. Around 6,000 local schoolchildren and 100 England fans were allowed into the Stadion HNK Rijeka, creating a subdued atmosphere in a country renowned for its passionate and often hostile support.
England’s players had enjoyed a dip in the nearby Adriatic Sea earlier in the week, prompting Tuchel to warn that the relaxed mood should not lead his squad into “holiday mode”.
There was little sign of complacency, however, as England produced a ruthless display against an ageing Croatia side.
Tuchel’s men needed just eight minutes to take the lead, with a swift move exposing the gulf in quality between the two teams.
Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott, making his first England start, provided the catalyst with a composed pass to Bellingham.
The Real Madrid midfielder then slipped an equally precise ball behind the Croatian defence, allowing Kane to take a deft touch before calmly firing into the roof of the net from 10 yards.
AFP
