Luka Modric has spoken of feeling 'ashamed' after his Croatia side were obliterated 7-0 by England in the Nations League.

The familiar foes locked horns in Rijeka but their tightly-contested games of the last decade were a far cry from the demolition job.

Modric, 41, gave a damning assessment of his side, saying the Croatians had 'thrown away their reputation' and admitting he felt 'ashamed'.

He said: 'It is difficult to find an explanation for a performance like that, with no duels, fouls, aggression or cohesion... I have been here for 20 years, but it is the first time I have felt ashamed after a match.

'You can lose, someone can be stronger, at the moment they are stronger, but losing in this way and throwing away the reputation we have built up over all these years is unacceptable. I really do feel ashamed.'

Manager Slaven Bilic looked shaken by the mauling and added: 'It is difficult to say anything after a night like this. We are sad, disappointed, and I feel sorry for the fans and the children who were at the game,' he explained, as cited by the Jutarnji.

'We talked, it is hardest for us, and we did not expect this could happen. I don't know what to call it, whether it's a blackout, but it's hard to analyse a game when you lose 7-0.

'We knew they were a top team, but that we couldn't match them in any part... that then attacks your confidence, your will, everything falls apart and goes the wrong way.

'I said this to myself and to everyone, I don't believe that England would beat Estonia 7-0 at this moment. That is unforgivable for us,' Bilic remarked.

'We can get out of this with a good performance against Spain, there is time for that. Now is the right time to show unity and character.

'I'm talking nonsense saying we will beat Spain, but we need to show a brave and good Croatia. We need to show heart.

'There is no reason for this. We train well, the atmosphere is excellent, hardworking, and every detail is taken care of. I have nothing smart to say, it is clear that the responsibility is mine. We will analyse the match further.'

Croatia filled their tiny little stadium with thousands of schoolkids to get round the fact this was supposed to be a behind closed doors game.

But those youngsters watched on as their team were hammered by an England side on imperious form.

Jude Bellingham was sensational with a goal and three assists, while Harry Kane netted a brace along with Bukayo Saka, while Anthony Gordon and Morgan Rogers also netted in the rout.