RismadarVoice Reporters
October 5, 2026
Croatia captain Luka Modric has appealed for the support of the country’s fans as the national team prepares to face Spain in the UEFA Nations League on Tuesday, three days after suffering a record 7-0 defeat to England.
Croatia were overwhelmed by Thomas Tuchel’s England side in Rijeka on Saturday, recording the heaviest defeat in the national team’s history.
Modric acknowledged the disappointment surrounding the result but said Croatia must now focus on producing a response against Spain.
The 41-year-old midfielder said the manner of the defeat was particularly difficult for the players and urged supporters to stand behind the team when they return to action in Split.
Croatia played the England match under a UEFA sanction imposed over discriminatory behaviour by supporters, with attendance largely restricted to children.
Tuesday’s encounter will see Croatia return to a more familiar home atmosphere as they attempt to recover against a Spain side that has won its opening three matches in Group A3.
Spain defeated Croatia 4-1 in Seville earlier in the campaign and currently lead the group with nine points, three ahead of England. Croatia are third.
Modric said Croatia would need to improve considerably against the reigning world champions, calling for greater aggression, concentration and discipline while limiting the spaces available to Spain’s attacking players.
Croatia coach Slaven Bilic has also acknowledged the scale of the England defeat, describing it as a painful result that requires a strong response from his players.
Spain, meanwhile, will secure their place in the Nations League quarter-finals with a draw in Split.
Spain coach Luis de la Fuente has cautioned against judging Croatia solely by the 7-0 defeat, warning that the result could provide additional motivation for the hosts.
Lamine Yamal is expected to remain one of Spain’s major attacking threats after an impressive start to the Nations League campaign.
For Croatia, attention will also remain on Modric, who continues to play a central role for his country despite being 41.
The veteran midfielder has not announced when he intends to end his international career, maintaining that he remains available to contribute whenever required.
Croatia and Spain will meet at Poljud Stadium in Split on Tuesday as both sides continue their Nations League Group A3 campaigns.
