England Beat Croatia: Jude Bellingham Matches 33-Year Record In Nations League Win As Thomas Tuchel Finds Harry Kane Heir

Jude Bellingham produced a remarkable one-goal, three-assist performance as England demolished Croatia 7–0 in the Nations League, becoming the first England midfielder in 33 years to record four goal involvements in a single match. His display also strengthened Thomas Tuchel's growing belief that the Real Madrid star could provide an alternative solution when Harry Kane eventually steps away from international football.

England delivered one of their most emphatic performances of the Thomas Tuchel era by sweeping aside Croatia 7–0 in Rijeka, with Jude Bellingham at the heart of an extraordinary attacking display.

Harry Kane and Bukayo Saka both scored twice, while Bellingham, Anthony Gordon and Morgan Rogers also found the net. The victory gave England another three Nations League points and demonstrated the attacking potential available to Tuchel when his key players combine effectively.

For Bellingham, however, the night carried an additional significance. His goal and three assists made him the first England midfielder since David Platt in 1993 to register four goal involvements in a single international match.

Bellingham Reaches A Landmark

Bellingham's performance was extraordinary even by his already high standards.

The Real Madrid midfielder scored England's second goal before creating three more, including the assist for Kane's opener. According to England's official statistics, he became the first player to register three assists in a match for the Three Lions since Trent Alexander-Arnold against San Marino in November 2021.

His four goal involvements also matched a record achieved by David Platt against San Marino in February 1993, making Bellingham the first England midfielder in 33 years to reach that mark.

It was not simply the numbers that stood out. Bellingham repeatedly appeared in dangerous positions, combined effectively with England's forwards and demonstrated the physical and technical qualities that have made him such an important player for club and country.

Kane Continues To Set The Standard

While much of the attention understandably fell on Bellingham, Harry Kane once again underlined why replacing him will be such a difficult task.

The England captain scored twice and provided an assist, taking his international tally to 89 goals. He is also just one appearance away from equalling Peter Shilton's record of 125 England caps.

At 33, Kane remains central to England's plans and showed no signs of slowing down against Croatia. His movement, finishing and link-up play were fundamental to the seven-goal victory.

Tuchel has already warned that England should not expect to produce another player exactly like Kane. Instead, the manager believes the eventual solution may require a different type of forward.

Tuchel Sees Bellingham As A No. 9 Option

That is where Bellingham's latest performance becomes particularly interesting.

Tuchel has previously revealed that he likes Bellingham as a No. 9 and believes the midfielder's attacking instincts could make him effective in a more advanced role. The England manager has also experimented with using him closer to Kane, effectively creating a structure in which the pair can occupy dangerous central and wide areas.

Against Croatia, Bellingham's ability to arrive around the penalty area and contribute directly to goals offered another glimpse of why Tuchel is considering the option.

That does not mean England have decided Bellingham will eventually replace Kane permanently. It does, however, give the manager another potential solution as he looks beyond the current captain's international career.

England's Attack Finally Clicks

The most encouraging aspect for Tuchel was the collective performance of England's attack.

Gordon continued his impressive international run by scoring, while Saka produced two goals. Kane added two more and Bellingham combined scoring with chance creation. Morgan Rogers then completed the rout late on.

England led 4–0 at half-time and continued to create opportunities after the interval. The performance suggested that Tuchel's side are becoming more comfortable playing with greater attacking freedom while maintaining the intensity required without the ball.

It was also England's biggest Nations League victory and their biggest win since beating North Macedonia 7–0 in June 2023.

A Wider Leadership Role For Bellingham

Bellingham's influence is also beginning to extend beyond his attacking contribution.

When Kane was substituted, Bellingham took over the captain's armband, underlining the growing responsibility placed on him within the England squad.

At just 23, he is already one of England's most influential players, and his ability to operate in several positions gives Tuchel considerable tactical flexibility.

Whether he ultimately remains a No. 10, plays as a more advanced midfielder or occasionally operates as a false nine or No. 9, his importance to England's future is becoming increasingly difficult to question.

The Kane Succession Plan Is Already Taking Shape

England do not need to replace Kane immediately. The captain remains one of the country's most productive players and continues to deliver at the highest level.

But Tuchel's willingness to consider Bellingham as part of the solution demonstrates that preparations for the next generation have already begun.

The 7–0 victory over Croatia therefore represented more than another Nations League win. It showed what England can produce when their biggest attacking talents operate in harmony, while Bellingham's historic contribution offered Tuchel another reason to believe the midfielder can play an even greater role in the team's future.

For now, Kane remains England's undisputed No. 9. But if the captain eventually moves on, Bellingham's extraordinary night in Rijeka may prove to have been an early indication of how England can evolve without attempting to find an exact replica of their record-breaking striker.