Arsenal star Aaron Ramsdale has backed Bukayo Saka to take a penalty for England at the World Cup if the opportunity arises after his EURO 2020 final miss.
The Gunners' goalkeeper had nothing but positive words and praise for his Arsenal and England teammate who was subjected to racial abuse, along with Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho, for failing to score their spot kicks at Wembley. Saka has scored every spot-kick he has taken for the north London outfit since his crucial miss, including in big games against Chelsea, Manchester United and Liverpool.
The 21-year-old has a 100% record from the spot so far this season and has been one of the standout performers under Mikel Arteta helping the Gunners lead the way in the Premier League by five points. Saka ended last season as Arsenal's top goalscorer and will be hoping to continue his brilliant form into the World Cup with The Three Lions.
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Speaking to the media ahead of England's opening World Cup fixture in Qatar, Ramsdale was asked if he felt Saka would still take a penalty for England after the abuse he faced following his miss in the EURO 2020 final against Italy. The Arsenal goalkeeper replied: "Absolutely. He has three from three since that day.
"I think he has realised it was just something that happened to him, and he would not shy away from that because he is that type of person. He knows the feeling now, and hopefully, next time he steps up, he can put the ball in the back of the net."
Ramsdale continued by praising the way the 21-year-old winger handled the abuse and criticism he faced following his penalty miss against Italy last year. Ramsdale continued: "Impeccably, probably.
"The kid's a lovely boy, he has time for everyone, and works super hard throughout every week. He very, very rarely misses a training session and used all that motivation of criticism but also, more so, the love that everyone gave him, gave him an extra boost.
"Don't forget he had the pressure of the whole football club on him last year — him and Emile Smith Rowe were our main guys — and he has dealt with that. He's dealt with everything else. He is thriving, and I can't wait to see him thrive over here."
Ramsdale believes there is "no doubt" that Saka was now a stronger character on and off the pitch since his miss and that it has made him a "more complete person". The Gunners' keeper added: "When we missed out on the top four, he felt like it was all his fault because he couldn't provide for us.
"I was just able to reflect that the season before, they finished eighth, this season, we finished fifth, and if we go another step again, we will be in the top four. It's that perspective of: it's a game of football, and there's a lot more to it."
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