Confident Madueke embraces penalty pressure as England prepare for DR Congo

KANSAS CITY, Missouri, June 29 : England's World Cup campaign enters the unforgiving territory of knockout football on Wednesday, where one mistake can end a tournament and a single penalty can define it.

For forward Noni Madueke, that reality has sharpened the squad's focus as England prepare for a Round of 32 meeting with DR Congo in Atlanta, a match that could present challenges during 90 minutes and beyond.

"Just like all phases of play, we're taking (penalty preparation) extremely seriously," Madueke said at England's base camp on Monday.

"As you go into knockout football, it's something that becomes more prominent in the games. So, like every part of our game, we want to be at the highest level when it comes to that."

England won three of the four shootouts they faced under previous manager Gareth Southgate, a marked turnaround for a nation once haunted by spot kicks. 

Before his appointment, the Three Lions had lost five consecutive shootouts at major tournaments, a run that began after Euro 96, when Southgate's own penalty was saved in the semi-final defeat by Germany. 

The miss became part of English football folklore, even featuring in a Pizza Hut commercial that poked fun at the defender's heartbreak.

Madueke, though, showed no hesitation when asked whether he would volunteer if Wednesday's match goes the distance.

"I'm always open to take a penalty," he said. "It comes down to the coach's decision and what he thinks is best for the team. But from my side, I'm always ready."

MADUEKE'S WORLD CUP DEBUT

The Arsenal winger made his World Cup debut in England's 4-2 win over Croatia in their opening game, and played a crucial role in winning a penalty that captain Harry Kane converted.

The 24-year-old believes the art of