Saka can thrive at World Cup after overcoming Euro 2020 heartache, says Ramsdale

Bukayo Saka can thrive in England's World Cup campaign after handling the fallout from his missed penalty in the Euro 2020 final "impeccably", according to Aaron Ramsdale.

Saka's kick was saved by Gianluigi Donnarumma after England's tense draw with Italy last July, securing the Three Lions defeat in their first major final since the FIFA World Cup 1966.

The winger then endured further disappointment on the domestic stage as Arsenal failed to make the top four last season, but he has bounced back well this season.

With Arsenal top of the Premier League table, only five players have bettered Saka's tally of 10 goals in the competition this season (four goals, six assists), and his Gunners team-mate Ramsdale expects to what he impress in Qatar.

Asked by ESPN how Saka handled last year's disappointment, Ramsdale said: "[I try] to find the right words, impeccably, probably.

"The kid is a lovely boy, he has time for everyone, he works super hard every week.

"He very, very rarely misses a workout and he used all that critical motivation, but also the love that everyone gave him, [it] gave him that extra boost.

"Don't forget he had the pressure of the whole football club on him last year - he and Emile Smith Rowe were our main guys - and he took care of that, he got busy with everything else.

"He's thriving and I can't wait to see him thriving here."

Recalling Arsenal's failure to qualify for the Champions League last season, Ramsdale said Saka blames himself for the Gunners' inability to cross the line.

"When we missed the top four, he felt like it was all his fault because he couldn't support us," Ramsdale added.

"I could just tell myself that the season before they finished eighth, [last] season we finished fifth, and if we take another step, we'll be in the top four. That's a football match and there is much more than that."

When asked if Saka has become a stronger character over the past year, he added, "Absolutely. There's no doubt about it, off the pitch and on it." He's a more complete person."