adminMateo Kovacic has reportedly responded with a blunt message after Jude Bellingham appeared to aim a cheeky Instagram taunt at Croatia following England’s emphatic 7-0 victory in the Nations League.
England produced one of their most dominant performances of the international era as they dismantled Croatia 7-0 in Rijeka, with Bellingham once again playing a central role in the spectacular result.
The Real Madrid midfielder scored one of England’s goals and provided three assists, underlining his growing influence under Thomas Tuchel. His performance was widely praised after the final whistle, with former Manchester United captain Roy Keane describing him as a player capable of becoming “one of the greatest” ever.
However, the celebrations did not end on the pitch.
Bellingham later posted a cryptic message on Instagram that quickly attracted attention from supporters. The post was interpreted by many as a playful dig at Croatia after England’s extraordinary seven-goal demolition of their opponents.
The social-media activity sparked plenty of reactions, particularly because Bellingham had been involved in almost everything England produced during the match.
Croatia, meanwhile, endured a night to forget. Luka Modric and Kovacic both started in midfield, but England dominated possession and created wave after wave of pressure throughout the contest. The Three Lions finished with 64 per cent possession and 10 shots on target compared with just one from Croatia.
The result was particularly painful for Croatia given their experience and reputation on the international stage.
Kovacic, who has previously played alongside Bellingham at club level, was therefore inevitably drawn into the social-media conversation.
Rather than allowing the post to generate a prolonged exchange, the Croatia midfielder delivered a short and direct response.
His message immediately caught the attention of fans because of its blunt nature, with supporters debating whether it was simply friendly banter between two high-level midfielders or a subtle reminder that the rivalry between England and Croatia remains intense.
Bellingham’s performance ensured that he had plenty of reason to celebrate.
Harry Kane opened the scoring in the eighth minute before England continued to tear Croatia apart. Bellingham, Anthony Gordon and Bukayo Saka all found the net before half-time, leaving the hosts facing a huge deficit at the interval.
England showed no mercy after the restart.
Kane and Saka added further goals before Morgan Rogers completed the seven-goal rout late in the second half.
The victory represents another major statement from Tuchel’s England side, who have now shown that they possess the attacking quality and intensity to overwhelm elite opposition.
Bellingham’s influence was arguably the biggest talking point, however. His goal and three assists were matched by a relentless performance without the ball, something Keane particularly highlighted after the match.
With the result still fresh, Bellingham’s Instagram post and Kovacic’s response have added another layer to an already memorable night.
England supporters will certainly enjoy the banter, while Croatia will be desperate for an opportunity to respond on the pitch.
For now, though, England have the bragging rights — and Bellingham appears more than happy to remind everyone of it.
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