Kyle Walker wants 'payback' when Italy visit Wembley for first time since beating England in Euro 2020 final

England defender Kyle Walker has got revenge on his mind as Gareth Southgate’s side prepare to welcome Italy to Wembley for a crucial Euro 2024 qualifier.

It will be the first time the Italians have visited England’s national stadium since beating the Three Lions on penalties in the final of Euro 2020.

Luciano Spalletti has since taken over as manager from Roberto Mancini, but the shadows of that night still remain for Walker.

Luke Shaw gave England the lead, before Leonardo Bonucci equalised from a corner to force extra-time and, eventually, spot kicks.

"We fell short that night," Walker said. “Hopefully we can get a little bit of payback."

"To do what we did in that special summer, to arrive so close. To concede a goal through a set-play when we've been so good, it was devastating.”

However, Walker thinks the heartbreak of that July evening two years ago has helped England grow stronger as a team.

"At club level [with Manchester City], I went to Porto and lost against Chelsea [in the Champions League final] and then two years later we won the Treble. People and teams evolve from that.

“I think you learn from occasions where you've been in finals and lose in finals, and setbacks, and then you go on to achieve something great."

It could be a night of celebration at Wembley for England, with Euro 2024 qualification guaranteed if they win or draw against Italy.

Although Walker promises the team will definitely not be playing for a draw, he says a place in next summer’s tournament in Germany is the most important thing.

"It's about putting a performance on and going out there and winning, but I won't be ashamed if it's 0-0 and we're in the Euros and I'm going to represent my country in the finals,” he said.

England lost a competitive fixture for the first time since June 2022 after going down 3-2 to Ukraine in a European Under-21 Championship qualifier.

Goals from Nazar Voloshyn and Oleh Ocheretko put Ukraine in control going into the second half in Slovakia.

Chelsea’s Noni Madueke pulled a goal back for England with just over 20 minutes remaining, before Charlie Cresswell thought he’d rescued a point with an 89th minute headed equaliser.

However, Illia Kvasnytsya struck deep into stoppage time to give Lee Carsley’s side the unfamiliar feeling of defeat.

The win takes Ukraine top of qualification Group F, with England three points behind them in second.

England were crowned European champions in the summer and are attempting to qualify for the tournament again to defend their title.

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