Luka Modric: I am ashamed after Croatia's defeat to England

Luka Modric admitted he felt ashamed after Croatia suffered a record 7-0 defeat to England in the Nations League.

The Croatia captain was deeply disappointed by his team's performance in Rijeka, with the defeat becoming the heaviest in the country's history.

“It is difficult to find an explanation for such a performance without duels, fouls, aggression and togetherness. I've been here for 20 years, but for the first time I feel ashamed after a game,” Modric said.

The 41-year-old admitted that losing to a better side is part of football, but insisted that Croatia's performance against England was unacceptable.

“You can lose, or play against an opponent who is better – and they are right now. But losing like this and damaging the reputation we've built over the years is unacceptable,” the midfielder added.

Modric also called on his team-mates to regroup ahead of their next Nations League fixture against Spain.

“We need to pull ourselves together and stay together because another difficult game awaits us. We have to show our true colours, with pride, desire, willingness and togetherness. These things cannot be lost overnight.”