Seven goals, one dominant display, and a performance that will take some topping. England beat Croatia 7-0 in Rijeka on Saturday evening in what BBC Sport's reporter described as one of their best performances in recent times — and the numbers back that up emphatically.

Bellingham the standout

Jude Bellingham collected a match rating of 9/10 from BBC Sport and an average fan rating of 8.99 — the highest of any player on the pitch. He set up Harry Kane for the opening goal with a precise through-ball, scored England's second himself, then turned provider again to assist Bukayo Saka for the fourth. Croatia simply had no answer to him all evening. Whether he is capable of becoming one of the all-time greats is a conversation that will run and run, but performances like this make the case difficult to argue against.

Kane, Gordon and Saka also excellent

Kane finished the night with two goals and a rating of 9/10. He pressed from the front, used the ball intelligently and showed the kind of elite finishing that justifies the captain's armband. Anthony Gordon — rated 9/10 — scored for the fourth consecutive England game and assisted Bellingham for the second goal. Gordon's recent form suggests he has moved into a different tier. Saka weighed in with two goals of his own (though he did miss a notable chance for a hat-trick in the second half) and looks to be developing a productive right-sided combination with Jarell Quansah.

New faces catching the eye

Quansah was selected at right-back ahead of Trent Alexander-Arnold — a selection that raised eyebrows before kick-off — but the Bayer Leverkusen defender justified Thomas Tuchel's faith. He rated 8/10, delivered a quality assist for Gordon's goal, and demonstrated why Tuchel trusts his ability on the ball. Lewis Hall, the Newcastle left-back, earned a 7/10 and an average fan score of 7.58. He offered pace going forward and also moved inside to receive the ball in midfield, suggesting Tuchel sees him as more than a conventional full-back.

Alex Scott of Bournemouth made his first England start and produced a composed display — rated 7/10 — always seeking the ball and never hiding when England were in control. Elliot Anderson, described as excellent throughout this international break, set up Kane for the fifth goal and collected an 8/10 alongside a fan average of 7.69.

Croatia had nothing to offer

From Croatia's perspective, the fan ratings tell a grim story. Luka Modrić managed only 3.23, Mateo Kovačić 3.13, and Joško Gvardiol — one of the world's leading defenders — rated just 3.11. Kovačić did produce one moment that had England supporters holding their breath: a miss that Pickford was fortunate to escape, though the goalkeeper had earlier made a sharp decision to race from his line and claim the ball ahead of Ivan Perišić.

Substitute Morgan Rogers rounded off the scoring late on, finishing calmly after being played through on goal, to confirm the 7-0 final score.

What it means

This was a Nations League fixture rather than a World Cup qualifier (worth noting when placing the result in context), but the margin and manner of the victory will lift confidence ahead of the winter months. England's attack looked fluid, the younger players selected in midfield contributed decisively, and the defensive structure gave Croatia almost nothing to work with. Tuchel's side have made a statement.

Frequently asked

What was the final score between England and Croatia?
England beat Croatia 7-0 in Rijeka in a UEFA Nations League fixture. Harry Kane scored twice, Bukayo Saka scored twice, and Jude Bellingham, Anthony Gordon and substitute Morgan Rogers also got on the scoresheet.
Who was England's best player against Croatia?
Jude Bellingham was rated the best player on the pitch by BBC Sport, earning a 9/10 rating. He scored one goal, assisted two others and was given an average fan rating of 8.99 — the highest of any player.
Who started for England at right-back against Croatia?
Jarell Quansah started at right-back ahead of Trent Alexander-Arnold. The Bayer Leverkusen defender rated 8/10, providing the assist for Anthony Gordon's goal and impressing with his ball-playing ability.