World Cup 2022: Saka Ready to Take Penalties for England if Called Upon

• England's Bukayo Saka says he is ready to step up and take a penalty if called upon
• The winger missed the final kick at the Euro 2020 final to give Italy the championship
• He suffered criticism and racial abuse after the miss but says he has put it behind him

The knockout stages of any competition certainly would have matches going into extra time and possibly penalty kicks, or sometimes straight to penalties for some competitions.

England are bracing up for the possibility of penalty kicks, as they prepare for their quarter-final match of the Qatar 2022 FIFA World Cup against defending champions France.

Bukayo Saka missed the decisive spot kick at the Euro 2020 final, but he admits he has moved on from the incident and will be ready to take penalties again if called upon.

Saka ready to step up

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Saka is one of England's best players at the World Cup, having scored three goals including one in the round of 16 against Senegal.

He spoke about taking penalties in a press conference, as quoted by Daily Mail:

''I have obviously matured and progressed since then. I wouldn't have stepped up the times I have for Arsenal if I wasn't confident. So yeah, if the moment comes, I would step up.''

Saka has taken three spot kicks for Arsenal since the Euro 2020 miss, converting all three against Chelsea, Manchester United and Liverpool - big opponents and in high-pressure matches.

Saka helped by fan support

Saka spoke on how support he received from some fans after the miss helped him, but admitted he could not forget the incident.

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''Personally, I've tried to move on from that moment. I can never forget it - but at the same time, coming out here and scoring those three goals lifts me a lot. The support I have received from the fans helps."

Saka wanted by Manchester City

Sports Brief earlier reported that Manchester City are eyeing Saka, hoping the talented winger can bolster their attacking options.

Pep Guardiola is looking at the 21-year-old as a long term option to secure City's right wing, but will face a difficult task of poaching him from Arsenal.

Saka and Arsenal put contract talks on hold until after the World Cup, although the Gunners are far off of the star's demand of £200,000.