നേഷൻസ് ലീഗിൽ ക്രൊയേഷ്യയെ 7-0 എന്ന സ്കോറിന് തകർത്ത് ഇംഗ്ലണ്ട് ചരിത്രവിജയം നേടി. ഹാരി കെയ്ൻ, ബുക്കായോ സാക്ക എന്നിവർ ഇരട്ട ഗോളുകൾ നേടി. ജൂഡ് ബെല്ലിംഗ്ഹാം മൂന്ന് അസിസ്റ്റുകളുമായി തിളങ്ങി. തോമസ് ടുക്കലിന്റെ തന്ത്രങ്ങൾ ഫലം കണ്ടപ്പോൾ ക്രൊയേഷ്യയുടെ ചരിത്രത്തിലെ ഏറ്റവും വലിയ തോൽവിയാണിത്. ഇംഗ്ലീഷ് താരങ്ങളെല്ലാം മികച്ച പ്രകടനമാണ് പുറത്തെടുത്തത്.
England ran riot in a 7-0 mauling over Croatia as the Three Lions secured an emphatic victory in the Nations League on Saturday.
Harry Kane and Bukayo Saka struck twice in a merciless attacking display, with Jude Bellingham, Anthony Gordon and Morgan Rogers completing the seven-goal haul.
Bellingham marked his return to the staring XI with three assists as Croatia had no answer to the one-way traffic, suffering their heaviest defeat in history.
Here's how ESPN rated England's players.
Manager rating (out of 10)
Thomas Tuchel, 9 -- The German made five changes from England's 2-0 win over Czechia and each one made an impact. He made a big call to hand Alex Scott his first start and the Bournemouth talisman marshalled the midfield with confidence, allowing the front four to stay protected and play their attacking football. England had so much chemistry throughout and Tuchel allowed it to continue, holding off from making changes until late on in the game. Picked a very balanced team and was repaid with one of the best England performances in his tenure.
Player ratings (1-10; 10 = best, 5 = average)
GK Jordan Pickford, 7 -- Kept a clean sheet on his return to the line up and wasn't massively tested. Had a nervy moment on the half hour mark punching out from a rare Croatia attack but commanded his area well when needed.
RB Jarell Quansah, 7 -- Confused some fans that he started after Trent Alexander-Arnold's impressive performance against Czechia but proved a calm presence in the back line. Said 'hold my beer' when he provided a 'Trent-esque' assist for Anthony Gordon's goal. Committed forward when England were on the ball to help in build-up and did his part defensively.
CB Marc Guéhi, 7 -- Held his own on the few occasions when Croatia attacked England's box. Composed in the back line after retaining his spot in the starting line up.
CB Ezri Konsa, 7 -- Looked composed and reliable when called upon and made some good blocks. Didn't have too much work to do alongside his defenders but was overall impressive.
LB Lewis Hall, 8 -- Good combination play with Anthony Gordon on the left. Shielded the ball well on the left-hand side and used his pace to surge forward and initiate attacks. Won his duals with ease.
CM Alex Scott, 7 -- Looked right at home on his first England start, marshalling the midfield with confidence. Involved in the build-up of England's first goal with a clever turn before threading a quick pass to Bellingham for the assist, showing great awareness throughout. Pressed well to unsettle his opposite numbers and made some key clearances in England's box.
CM Elliot Anderson, 8 -- Showed why he is the quickest England player to reach 20 appearances for the nation. Brilliant combination play for Harry Kane's fourth goal. Almost handed Croatia a gift though, when he was caught out on the ball but luckily Mateo Kovacic made a right mess of the opportunity. Relentless work rate and carried the ball well.
CAM Jude Bellingham, 10 -- Incredible performance from England's best player. Effortlessly grabbed a goal and provided three assists on his return to the starting line up. Picked out Kane with a slick pass for the opener displaying great vision. Always looked forward and created all sorts of problems for Croatia, they just didn't have an answer to keeping him at bay. Scored England's second with an instinctive tap in. Not only was he scintillating in attack but he helped out defensively, winning the ball back and making key recoveries. Sat Luka Modrić by the byline to set up Saka's finish.
RW Bukayo Saka, 8 -- A brace for the Arsenal winger in a very impressive performance and -- like his fellow attacking teammates -- could have scored three or four. Produced some nice moments and line-breaking passes for his teammates.
ST Harry Kane, 9 -- Two goals for the England captain who has netted in six straight away games for his country. Timed his run to perfection, took a tidy touch before firing into the net for the opener and resumed normal service after the break, sweeping home from Gordon's cross for England's fifth.
LW Anthony Gordon, 9 -- Continued his red-hot form. Used his blistering pace to create chance after chance. Scored England's third with a diving header and easily could have netted more. Was very direct throughout, playing with confidence and conviction and made dangerous runs in behind constantly. Covered lots of ground and used his creative license to roam across the entire front line. Showed ridiculous skill to bring the ball down from Saka's cross then cut it back perfectly for Bellingham to score.