ENGLAND BEAT CROATIA 7-0 IN NATIONS LEAGUE MATCH

England beat Croatia 7-0 in a UEFA Nations League match at Stadion HNK Rijeka. Harry Kane scored twice on his 124th England appearance, taking his international tally to 89 goals. Jude Bellingham scored once and set up three more goals, while Anthony Gordon and Bukayo Saka were also among the scorers. Alex Scott, playing his second cap and making his full debut, set up Gordon's goal with a pass that split the Croatia defence. The result strengthens England's position in their Nations League group and was described as their most complete performance against Croatia since a 4-2 World Cup win in 2018.

Croatia, ranked 13th in the world, were ordered by UEFA to play behind closed doors after discriminatory and racist conduct by their supporters during a previous Nations League quarter-final. UEFA rules allowed free admission for local children, and around 6,200 Croatian under-14s filled the stands at Stadion HNK Rijeka without charge. Luka Modric, who first played against England two decades ago, started the match in midfield for Croatia. It was the first time either side had played in front of any crowd at that stadium since 2018, when England's previous visit was held entirely behind closed doors. Scott played directly against Modric during his full debut.

The win leaves England well placed for second in their Nations League group and boosts their hopes of reaching next year's quarter-finals. Kane's brace took his tally to 89 international goals from 124 caps for England. Bellingham was involved in four of England's seven goals, scoring once and providing three assists. Gordon and Saka scored from wide positions, continuing recent scoring form for the national side. Scott's full debut was only his second England appearance.