Jude Bellingham delivered a stunning performance as England thrashed Croatia 7-0 in Rijeka, with the Real Madrid midfielder scoring once and providing three assists. The 23-year-old was the standout player on the pitch, outshining Croatia's Luka Modric, the 2018 Ballon d'Or winner, who struggled to cope with England's pace and intensity.
Bellingham shines as England cruise to record win
Bellingham's display has led to claims he can become England's best-ever player, with the midfielder showing the quality to win the Ballon d'Or in the future. The victory was England's biggest-ever win over Croatia, with the hosts crumbling under pressure at the Stadion HNK Rijeka.
England's new-look midfield partnership of Elliot Anderson and Alex Scott, both 23, impressed, with Scott making his full debut. The duo previously helped England's under-21s win the European Championships and carried that understanding into the senior side.
Kane closes in on records as England show their class
Harry Kane scored twice, taking his tally to 89 goals from 124 caps, and needs one more appearance to equal Peter Shilton's record of 125. The captain's partnership with Bellingham was evident from the first goal, which came after just eight minutes when Bellingham's through ball set up Kane to smash the ball into the roof of the net.
England led 3-0 at half-time, with Bellingham and Anthony Gordon also on the scoresheet. Bukayo Saka scored twice in the second half, while substitute Morgan Rogers added a sixth and seventh, with Bellingham providing another assist for the final goal.
Croatia's struggles compounded by fan restrictions
Croatia were poor throughout, with Mateo Kovacic missing a huge chance after a rare Anderson error. The defeat was Croatia's heaviest-ever loss, and manager Slaven Bilic may regret his decision to return for a second stint.
The match was played in front of a limited crowd after UEFA banned Croatia fans due to racist chanting, but 6,342 school children were allowed in. Only 100 England fans were present, and they taunted the home crowd with chants of "Are you Scotland in disguise?" as the match drew to a close.
