Arsenal and England forward Bukayo Saka is understood to be in line to take a penalty in the World Cup, should the Three Lions face a shoot-out. Gareth Southgate's side face Senegal in the first knockout round of the tournament and preparations are underway within the team.
England progressed through their group with little real trouble, dispatching Iran and Wales with ease either side of a clean sheet and 0-0 draw with USA. The round of 16 kicks off this afternoon and England's side of the draw lines them up against the likes of France, Spain and Portugal.
Victory over the champions of Africa could set up a first competitive meeting with Les Blues since June 2012 and present England's first real test of the tournament. However, they must avoid following Belgium and Germany in being knocked-out of the tournament early doors.
READ MORE: John Stones snubs Bukayo Saka and Kylian Mbappe in favour of 'frightening' Man City team-mate
Despite being firm favourites to progress to the quarter-finals, Senegal have proved their quality in the group stage and won't roll-over against Southgate's squad. Now the group stages are over, the possibility of a penalty shoot-out is now on the horizon - England's first since the heartbreak against Italy.
The Three Lions were denied their first major tournament success since 1966 last summer when Italy were victorious on penalties at Wembley. Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho and Saka all missed from 12 yards in the defeat, with Rashford and Saka remaining key parts of the England squad.
Now, according to the Telegraph, both Saka and Rashford are in contention to step-up and take another penalty should they be on the pitch. While defender John Stones insisted that no communication to the players had been given yet on the order of takers, the report insists both the Arsenal and Manchester United attackers are among the contenders to take a penalty.
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