Croatia – England: England’s Seven-Goal Rout in Rijeka (0-7)

England put on a show as they dominated a Croatia side lacking in intensity. Thomas Tuchel's side gained control through their high pressing game, while their possession scheme tore through Croatia’s passive man-oriented defensive setup.

Tactical analysis and match report by Josh Manley.

After an entertaining opening matchday defeat at home to Spain, England got points on the board in the Nations League with a win over Czech Republic last time out. Croatia were in a similar position prior to this game, having beaten the Czechs in their first outing before losing convincingly to Spain.

Slaven Bilić lined his side up in a 4-3-3 shape for this game with Josip Stanišić, Luka Vušković, Joško Gvardiol, and Ivan Perišić in the backline. Veterans Luka Modrić and Mateo Kovačić partnered in central midfield alongside Petar Sučić. Franjo Ivanović and Martin Baturina flanked striker Petar Musa.

For England there was not much rotation in the lineup. Jarrell Quansah returned as right back alongside Ezri Konsa, Marc Guéhi, and Lewis Hall. Bournemouth’s Alex Scott made his first England start in midfield alongside Elliot Anderson and Jude Bellingham. Bukayo Saka, Harry Kane, and Anthony Gordon made up the front three of England’s nominal 4-3-3 shape.

England start fast

It took less than ten minutes for Kane to open the scoring for England, and it was representative of a game in which England started at a higher intensity than Croatia and continued that way throughout the match.

England once again deployed their man-to-man high press . . .