Croatia captain Luka Modric said he felt "ashamed" of his side's performance in Saturday's 7-0 defeat at home to England in the Nations League. It was the first time in 20 years as an international that the AC Milan midfielder said he had felt such emotion, describing it as a "catastrophic night".
Modric, 41, was making his 205th appearance for his country after recently agreeing to extend his international career under returning manager Slaven Bilic. "You can't play football like that... we looked like we had four or five players less," said the former Real Madrid player, who helped Croatia to second-place and third-place finishes at the 2018 and 2022 World Cups.
"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."
Croatia kicked off Bilic's second spell with a win over the Czech Republic but followed that with a 4-1 defeat to Spain before Saturday's humiliating loss in Rijeka. By the time Modric was substituted in the 57th minute, the home side were already 5-0 down after goals from Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham, Anthony Gordon, and Bukayo Saka. Further goals from Saka and Morgan Rogers extended England's advantage.
Source: BBC Sport Football · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing