SAKA’S UP FOR TEST OF NERVE
BUKAYO SAKA will be ready to step up to the spot for England if the Three Lions find themselves in a shoot-out at the World Cup.
Arsenal team-mate Aaron Ramsdale backed the winger to take a penalty in Qatar.
Saka, 21, missed England’s final penalty in their shoot-out defeat by Italy at Euro 2020.
But the Gunners star has since bagged four from the spot for his club.
Ramsdale said: “He is four from four since that day – 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 revealed how Saka rebuilt after the Euro 2020 pain and believes his club-mate is stronger for it. And the keeper believes Saka showed his character by being the Gunners’ talisman in their pursuit of a Champions League spot last season.
Ramsdale said: “He’s handled it impeccably. The kid’s a lovely boy, he has time for everyone, works super hard throughout every week.
“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.”