Harry Kane and Bukayo Saka each netted two goals as England demolished Croatia 7-0 in their Nations League match on Saturday. Kane, a contender for the Ballon d’Or, now holds a record of 89 international goals. Anthony Gordon assisted Jude Bellingham and scored himself, while substitute Morgan Rogers added to the tally in Rijeka.
“This was an impressive performance with numerous chances created. We began strong and maintained our momentum throughout the first 40 minutes, playing through the gaps and being extremely clinical,” England coach Thomas Tuchel stated.
In other League A action, Spain hosted the Czech Republic in Oviedo, aiming for 40 consecutive unbeaten games, while Switzerland played Slovenia and Scotland faced North Macedonia in League B.
England’s Dominance
Kane opened the scoring in the eighth minute, skillfully controlling a pass from Bellingham and curling it into the top left corner. Bellingham later tapped in Gordon’s cross, followed by Gordon’s header from Jarell Quansah’s delivery. Saka added England’s fourth just before halftime with a well-placed side-foot.
In the second half, England sliced through Croatia’s defense again, with Elliot Anderson supplying a cross that Kane met for another goal. Kane remarked, “We perform best when we’re free and physically dominant. They couldn’t cope with our speed, movement, and runs.”
Another defensive mistake allowed Kane to set up Saka’s second goal in the 68th minute, with Rogers controlling a pass from Bellingham and finishing from an angle. The final score surpassed England’s previous highest tally against Croatia, 5-1, during World Cup qualifying in 2009. Following this victory, England sits at six points from three matches.
A Tough Start for Bilić
Croatia coach Slaven Bilić faced another challenging match after Tuesday’s 4-1 defeat in Spain, with his team conceding 12 goals in three games. Luka Modric played but appeared frustrated with his side’s lackluster performance.
This news is significant for soccer fans as it highlights England’s rising dominance in international play, showcasing their impressive depth and skills. Such performances not only raise expectations for the national team but also spark excitement for upcoming tournaments and competitive matches within the sport.
Source: www.foxsports.com
