Tuchel praises England’s emphatic 7-0 Nations League win over Croatia

England manager Thomas Tuchel praised his side’s complete performance after a 7-0 Nations League victory over Croatia in Rijeka on Saturday. Harry Kane and Bukayo Saka scored twice each as England produced their biggest win of Tuchel’s reign. Jude Bellingham also scored and supplied three assists, while Anthony Gordon and Morgan Rogers completed the scoring.

Tuchel said the team maintained a high standard from the opening minute through to the end, including contributions from substitutes. He was particularly pleased by the way England sustained pressure against Croatia and continued creating chances throughout the match. The manager said his players were clinical, maintained their counter-pressing and defended with discipline.

He also praised their attitude, saying they remained humble while carrying out the basic elements of the game effectively. Captain Kane described the display as outstanding from start to finish. He said England had aimed to dominate with and without the ball and had used their pace and movement to overwhelm Croatia.

The result was England’s second successive win in the group. They lost to world champions Spain in their opening match, then defeated the Czech Republic 2-0 on Tuesday before the emphatic result in Croatia. England will host the Czech Republic on Tuesday in their final match of the three-week international break.

A victory would move them closer to a top-two finish, which guarantees a place in the quarter-finals. Kane also extended his England scoring record to 89 goals and is set to equal Peter Shilton’s appearance record with his 125th cap if selected.