Luka Vuskovic suffers as Croatia lose 7-0 to England | OneFootball

Luka Vuskovic endured a chastening night as Croatia were thrashed 7-0 by England in the Nations League in Rijeka, the Albion centre-back part of a back four repeatedly exposed.

Two-goal Harry Kane set the tone by running in behind Vuskovic to score the opener, then after the break struck again, England’s fifth, from a cross the defender could not cut out. According to Sportske Novosti, England exposed his flaws and the game should serve as a lesson, while they also highlighted his importance to Croatia’s future.

Head coach Slaven Bilic faced fierce criticism afterwards but said the back line were not solely to blame, calling it a collective blackout and urging his players to prove themselves.

Vuskovic is well regarded by his Seagulls team-mates and, despite one or two bright moments, this display was far from the commanding form he has shown in the Premier League. Former boss Zlatko Dalic used him only in a back three, including against England at the World Cup, whereas Bilic selected him in a back four, perhaps reflecting his early-season form with Albion.

Croatia finish the window against world champions Spain in his home city of Split on Tuesday, and it is unclear whether Vuskovic keeps his place. He may welcome a swift return to club duty and is likely to be a key figure when Albion visit Sunderland next Saturday.

Source: TheArgus.co.uk

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