Thomas Tuchel has hailed his side’s “complete performance” as England thrashed Croatia 7-0 in what was one of the most impressive results of the German’s tenure so far.
The Three Lions were ruthless in Rijeka, with both Harry Kane and Bukayo Saka helping themselves to braces, while Jude Bellingham, Anthony Gordon and substitute Morgan Rogers were also on the scoresheet.
Following a disappointing 3-2 defeat to world champions Spain and a rather unspectacular 2-0 victory over Czechia, this appeared to be a real signal of intent from Tuchel’s men against a team with whom England share a rather chequered history in recent years.
However, on Saturday night, a gulf in class was evident, with Tuchel left delighted by the performance of his players.
“Maybe apart from three minutes after the 3-0, a big mistake and some easy ball losses, there was a 90-minute performance from the highest level,” Tuchel told ITV.
“From everyone. From the first until the last minute. Congratulations to the team.
“[We were] very, very impressive. We created so many chances. [It was] so fluid right from the start, it never stopped. Very clinical, stayed hungry, counter-pressing, the basics right. That’s why it was a complete performance.”
England’s ‘frightening’ talent
On a night where all the post-match headlines focussed on the result, plenty of the pre-match buzz centred around Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott, who was handed his full senior debut for the national team.
And it was an assured showing from the 23-year-old, who more than held his own against an experienced Croatian engine room featuring 41-year-old Luka Modric.
Speaking after the game, Scott admitted there was “no better feeling” and that “to start with a win like that is amazing”.
“We wanted to push Croatia as hard as possible and we did that today… pressing high… winning the ball back … being ruthless in the final third,” he added.
Scott described the talent at England’s disposal right now as “frightening” but insisted the team must “build now” and “go again”.
Scott, Tuchel and co. will not have long to bask in the victory, as they take on Czechia on Tuesday at Wembley, hoping to make it three Nations League wins from four.
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