Croatia captain Luka Modric admits that he felt “ashamed” of his side’s performance after their 7-0 demolition at the hands of a rampant England on Saturday.

It was the first time in 20 years playing for his country that the AC Milan star had felt that way, after what was a “catastrophic night” for the home team in the Nations League encounter.

Modric, 41, was making his 205th appearance for Croatia after recently agreeing to extend his international career under returning manager Slaven Bilic.

“You can’t play football like that… we looked like we had four or five players less,” said the former Ballon d’Or winner, who helped Croatia to second and third-place finishes at the 2018 and 2022 World Cups during an incredible career.

“It is difficult to find an explanation for such a performance without duels, fouls, aggressiveness, togetherness,” Modric added.

“I’ve been here for 20 years, but for the first time I feel ashamed after a game.”

Croatia had actually begun Bilic’s second stint in charge with a 2-1 Nations League win away to the Czech Republic that put them above England in Group A3.

However, that was followed up by a 4-1 mauling away to Spain that left the door open for Thomas Tuchel’s side to lay down a marker for the rest of the competition by sealing victory in Rijeka.

That did just that in sensational fashion and, with the top two qualifying for the latter stages, England are now in the box seat to qualify alongside Spain.

By the time Modric was substituted in the 57th minute, Croatia were already 5-0 down after conceding two goals from Harry Kane and one apiece from Jude Bellingham, Anthony Gordon and Bukayo Saka.

The veteran midfielder then watched on from the sidelines as further strikes from Saka and Morgan Rogers sealed an emphatic triumph for the visitors.

“You can lose, or play against an opponent who is better – and they are right now,” added the former Tottenham and Real Madrid star.

“But in any case, losing like this and squandering the reputation we’ve built over the years is unacceptable… [it was a] catastrophic night [for Croatia].”

It does not get any easier for Croatia, who next host Spain in Split on Tuesday, and will finish their Nations League campaign with games away to England (12 November) and at home to the Czech Republic (15 November).

“We need to pull ourselves together, stay together because a new difficult game awaits us,” said Modric, with Croatia third in the table, facing a battle to retain their status in the top tier of the Nations League.

“We have to show our true colours, that there is defiance and pride in us, desire, willingness, togetherness, these things cannot be lost overnight.”

Victor Osimhen is set to make his long-awaited return for Galatasaray when the Turkish champions host Barcelona in the UEFA Champions League later this month.

The former Napoli man missed Nigeria’s clashes against Madagascar and the humbling defeat against Guinea-Bissau.

However, according to Turkish outlet A Spor (via Sabah Sports), the Super Eagles striker is expected to be in the starting XI for the clash at Rams Park on Tuesday, 13 October.

The report also indicates that Osimhen could feature in Galatasaray’s Super Lig match against Kasımpaşa on 9 October, depending on his fitness.

The Nigerian international has been sidelined with a groin injury sustained during Galatasaray’s win over Başakşehir last month.

As a result, he missed the club’s recent games against Sporting Lisbon, Kocaelispor and Trabzonspor, as well as Nigeria’s AFCON qualifiers against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau.

His potential return pits him against Barcelona’s teenage star Lamine Yamal in what promises to be a high-profile Champions League encounter.

Osimhen has been a key figure for Galatasaray since joining the club, and his presence up front would provide a major boost for the Turkish side as they look to make an impact in Europe.

As the international break comes to a close, Galatasaray will be hoping the striker can quickly regain full match sharpness ahead of the double-header against Kasımpaşa and Barcelona.

Real Madrid striker Endrick might be forced to consider yet another loan deal out of the club this upcoming winter and Roma appear to have serious interest in that kind of move, according to a report.

Endrick has only played four minutes for Real Madrid this season and appears to be buried in José Mourinho’s depth chart. In that context, he knows that he needs minutes to keep improving and developing as a player, so a loan deal makes sense for all parts involved.

Furthermore, Endrick already agreed to a loan move last winter and ended up scoring eight goals and delivering five assists on 21 matches played for Olympique Lyon, so he has seen first hand how helpful these moves can be.