Noni Madueke has sent a clear message to his England teammates and supporters: when it comes to penalties, he is always ready to step up and take one.

The winger made the declaration ahead of England's first knockout-stage fixture at the FIFA World Cup 2026, a round-of-sixteen clash against DR Congo scheduled for Wednesday.

Speaking to reporters, Madueke was asked directly how seriously England are approaching penalty preparation as the tournament moves into its most critical phase. His answer left little room for doubt — he wants the ball, and he backs himself to convert.

Penalty readiness has become an increasingly prominent topic for England sides in recent years, given the weight of tournament history on the subject. Madueke's confidence will be welcomed by manager and supporters alike as the squad braces for a potential shootout scenario deeper in the competition.

England will face DR Congo on Wednesday in what promises to be a high-stakes knockout encounter, with a place in the quarter-finals on the line.