Club News Brief
Pickford Returns & Garner Features As England Thrash Croatia
2026-10-03
Jordan Pickford and James Garner both featured for England on Saturday evening, helping the Three Lions earn a stunning 7-0 victory over Croatia in the UEFA Nations League. Pickford – back in the line-up after missing the previous two England matches – started and played the full 90 minutes in Rijeka, recording a clean sheet for Thomas Tuchel’s side. Midfielder Garner was introduced in the 70th minute, replacing Bournemouth’s Alex Scott. The third Toffee in the squad – Jarrad Branthwaite – was an unused substitute. First-half goals in England’s thrashing came from the front four of Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham, Anthony Gordon and Bukayo Saka. Kane, Saka and Morgan Rogers netted the fifth, sixth and seventh in the second half, inflicting Croatia’s worst-ever defeat. Due to England’s dominance, it was an uneventful evening for shot-stopper Pickford, who made one save, one claim and one punch. He completed 36 of his 41 passes – a rate of 88 per cent. Garner – a second-half substitute – arrived onto the pitch in midfield but showed his versatility by seeing out the final moments a left-back. Next up, England face Czechia on Tuesday (7.45pm BST) at Wembley Stadium.
Jordan Pickford and James Garner both featured for England on Saturday evening, helping the Three Lions earn a stunning 7-0 victory over Croatia in the UEFA Nations League. Pickford – back in the line-up after missing the previous two England matches – started and played the full 90 minutes in Rijeka, recording a clean sheet for Thomas Tuchel’s side. Midfielder Garner was introduced in the 70th minute, replacing Bournemouth’s Alex Scott. The third Toffee in the squad – Jarrad Branthwaite – was an unused substitute. First-half goals in England’s thrashing came from the front four of Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham, Anthony Gordon and Bukayo Saka. Kane, Saka and Morgan Rogers netted the fifth, sixth and seventh in the second half, inflicting Croatia’s worst-ever defeat. Due to England’s dominance, it was an uneventful evening for shot-stopper Pickford, who made one save, one claim and one punch. He completed 36 of his 41 passes – a rate of 88 per cent. Garner – a second-half substitute – arrived onto the pitch in midfield but showed his versatility by seeing out the final moments a left-back. Next up, England face Czechia on Tuesday (7.45pm BST) at Wembley Stadium.
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