England produced a stunning 7-0 victory over Croatia in Rijeka, with Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham, Anthony Gordon, Bukayo Saka and Morgan Rogers all scoring. The result marks a emphatic response to the World Cup semi-final defeat to Argentina nearly three months earlier.
Dominant display in Rijeka
Thomas Tuchel's side recorded back-to-back away wins, keeping a clean sheet with a strong midfield duo of Elliot Anderson and Alex Scott. Bellingham was the standout performer, scoring once and providing three assists, while Kane added two goals to move to 89 for England, just 11 short of a century.
Gordon, who moved to Barcelona after the World Cup, now looks a guaranteed starter, having scored three in as many appearances. Saka showed sharper form, and substitutes Morgan Rogers, Morgan Gibbs-White and Eberechi Eze added depth.
Tuchel's redemption arc
Tuchel faced calls for his dismissal after the World Cup capitulation, with fans and radio phone-ins critical of his decisions. The manager had joked after the Czech Republic game that it would take 13 games to reach 13 goals, but he appears set to achieve that in quicker time.
Croatia, ranked 13th in the FIFA rankings, were overwhelmed. The performance has been described as a return to the fast, entertaining style Tuchel promised, with belief restored ahead of the Euros.
UEFA crowd restrictions criticised
Only 100 England fans were allowed into the stadium in Rijeka, with criticism directed at UEFA for punishing England supporters over Croatia's racism. Many felt more should have been permitted to witness what was a significant moment for the team and a turning point for Tuchel.
