Bukayo Saka has indicated that he would be more than happy to take a penalty for England if needed in their World Cup campaign. The Arsenal star missed the crucial spot-kick against Italy in the Euro 2020 final but has since become the designated penalty taker for the Gunners.
England set up an enticing quarter final match up with France following their last-16 victory against Senegal on Sunday. Jordan Henderson, Harry Kane and Saka were on the scoresheet with Gareth Southgate justified in his decision to leave Marcus Rashford on the bench.
Raheem Sterling was also involved in the discussion but the England boss confirmed he had left Qatar following a burglary at his home in England. Surrey Police have since released a statement on the robbery with the Chelsea star leaving the England camp ahead of the fixture with the hope he may return to Qatar later in the tournament.
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Saka netted a brace in England's 6-2 group stage win over Iran and grabbed his third of the tournament and the Three Lions third against Senegal when he delicately chipped Phil Foden's pass over the on-rushing Edouard Mendy. England have conceded just two goals in Qatar but face the world champions France on Saturday in the quarter-finals.
Kylian Mbappe and Co. suffered a shock exit in Euro 2020 when they lost to Switzerland on penalties and with a penalty shoot out possibly being needed to decide the weekend's game, Saka has opened up on what he will do if England must compete in a penalty shootout after his miss against Italy at Wembley in 2021.
"I’ve matured and progressed a lot as a player and a person since that moment," Saka said. "I wouldn’t have stepped up like the times I have for Arsenal if I wasn’t confident. If I have to take one I’ll be more than happy.”
Following his miss, Mikel Arteta selected Saka as his chosen penalty taker for Arsenal with the 21-year-old already putting his final miss to one side, dispatching from 12 yards in high-pressure moments against Manchester United, Chelsea and Liverpool over the last 12 months.
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