Returning to the starting lineup after missing the previous fixture against Spain, the 41-year-old AC Milan central midfielder voiced deep frustration over his side's lack of aggression and unity. Modrić stated that in his 20-year international career, he had never felt as embarrassed after a match, remarking that Croatia played so poorly they would have lost even against a third-division club. Reflecting on the loss, Modrić emphasized that while England proved superior, such a collapse tarnished the reputation built by Croatia over the past decade through their 2018 World Cup final and 2022 third-place finishes. Head coach Slaven Bilić accepted sole responsibility for the disastrous performance, urging his players to display pride, unity, and resilience as they prepare to face Spain in their final Nations League window fixture.