Luka Vuskovic looks shellshocked as Croatia lose 7-0 to England (Image: AP Photo/Darko Bandic)
Luka Vuskovic looks shellshocked as Croatia lose 7-0 to England (Image: AP Photo/Darko Bandic)
Luka Vuskovic was given two crumbs of comfort after a traumatic night on international duty.
But the Albion defender might be glad to return to club duty in the coming days after suffering with Croatia.
Vuskovic played in the back four torn apart by England as they won 7-0 in a Nations League fixture in Rijeka.
Two-goal Harry Kane set the tone early on when he got in behind Vuskovic to fire home the opening goal.
The centre-back was powerless to cut out a cross when Kane scored his second and England’s fifth after the break.
Vuskovic is already highly regarded by his colleagues with the Seagulls.
While he had one or two good moments against England, it was a far cry from the commanding displays he has produced with his club in an impressive first few weeks in the Premier League.
Croatia head coach Slaven Bilic came under fire after the humiliating defeat.
But he said the back line did not take all the blame for the heavy scoreline.
Bilic told his post-match press conference: “It's hard for me, of course.
“But it's not just the defence. This was a collective blackout. We were inadequate.
“I told the players that now they have to show what they can do.”
Croatia’s final match of this window is against world champions Spain in Vuskovic’s home city of Split on Tuesday.
It is unclear whether he will retain his place.
England’s Jude Bellingham has a shot on goal during the UEFA Nations League, league phase, group A3 match at the Stadion HNK Rijeka, Prague. Picture date: Saturday October 3, 2026. PA Photo. Photo credit should read: Bradley Collyer/PA Wire. RESTRICTIONS: Use subject to FA restrictions. Editorial use only. Commercial use only with prior written consent of the FA. No editing except cropping.
England’s Jude Bellingham has a shot on goal during the UEFA Nations League, league phase, group A3 match at the Stadion HNK Rijeka, Prague. Picture date: Saturday October 3, 2026. PA Photo. Photo credit should read: Bradley Collyer/PA Wire. RESTRICTIONS: Use subject to FA restrictions. Editorial use only. Commercial use only with prior written consent of the FA. No editing except cropping.
Luka Vuskovic attempts to close down England’s Jude Bellingham (Image: Bradley Collyer/PA Wire)
But, amid the scathing and all-encompassing criticism, leading sports newspaper and website Sportske Novosti recognised that Vuskovic has a big part to play in the national team’s future.
Their assessment of his performance read: “The English successfully exposed all his flaws. This match will be a great lesson for him in the future.”
Previous Croatia boss Zlatko Dalic had only used Vuskovic when he was playing with three centre-backs, including the game against England in the World Cup.
Bilic was happy to play him in a back four, possibly reflecting his fine early-season form for Albion in that set-up.
Vuskovic has been excellent for his new club to date and is likely to be a key player when they go to Sunderland next Saturday.
Read more...
Orozco is on a fast track to the Prem, says talent-spotter who found him
Hurzeler reveals former All Blacks specialist’s key role in Albion's strong start
Why Amex and new stadium commitment were so key for Albion boss
Speaking after the recent 3-0 win over Arsenal, Albion goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen said: “He has done very well, of course.
“He has got so much potential, you know? If you see the way he speaks, the way he behaves, he is so mature.
“He works unbelievably hard, outside and inside of the pitch. So much potential.
“But again all of us, not just him, have to stay very calm.”