Thomas Tuchel has praised his side’s “complete performance”. England thrashed Croatia 7-0 in what was one of the most impressive results of the German’s tenure so far.
The three lions they were merciless in Rijeka, with Harry Kane and Bukayo Saka helping each other to doubles, while Jude Bellingham, Anthony Gordon and substitute Morgan Rogers were also on the scoresheet.
After a disappointing 3-2 defeat to world champions Spain and an unspectacular 2-0 win over the Czech Republic, this looked to be a real sign of intent from Tuchel’s men against a team with whom England share a rather spotty history in recent years.
However, a gulf in class was evident on Saturday night, and Tuchel left delighted with the performance of his players.
“Maybe, apart from three minutes after 3-0, a big mistake and some easy turnovers, it was a 90-minute performance from the highest level,” Tuchel told ITV.
“From everyone. From the first to the last minute. Congratulations to the team.
“(We were) very, very impressive. We created so many chances. (He was) so fluid from the start, never stopped. Very clinical, we stayed hungry, counter-pressed, the right basics. That’s why it was a complete performance.”
England’s “screaming” talent
On a night where all the post-match headlines focused on the result, much of the pre-match buzz centered around Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott, who was handed his full national team debut.
And it was an assured display from the 23-year-old, who 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 incredible”.
“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 available to England at the moment as “frightening” but insisted the team must “build now” and “go again”.
Scott, Tuchel and company. They won’t have much time to bask in the victory as they face the Czech Republic at Wembley on Tuesday, hoping to make it three Nations League wins out of four.