England goalkeeper Joe Hart is ready to take a crucial penalty if it goes to a shootout against Italy. The Manchester City star takes a fine spot-kick and is confident enough to step up for his country on the big occasion. Comfortable: Joe Hart is happy to step up if the Italy match goes to a shootout Hart famously scored for England Under 21s in the shootout at the end of their European Championship semi-final victory in 2009. He also tucked on away against LA Galaxy last summer. England take on Italy this Sunday for a place in the last four at Euro 2012. Speaking at Thursday’s press conference, Hart said: ‘Hopefully it won’t come to that (taking penalties) but I would back myself (to take a penalty) in a tournament. If penalties are required then so be it.’ Hart also revealed he practised taking penalties as much as the rest of the England squad. When asked about how much, he said: ‘As much as anyone else, I do like to take my penalties.’ Hart also confirmed he looked into how his opponents took penalties and that he would watch a video of the Italian players taking spot-kicks close to kick-off time on Sunday. ‘I do my research, I know where all the Italian players put their penalties,’ he said. ‘I watch it (the video) on my own. I watch it quite late in the day.’

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Euro 2012: Joe Hart ready to take penalty