Walker spoke of frustration at his country’s defeat to Italy in the Euro 2020 final as former boss Roberto Mancini’s Azzurri broke the hearts of the host nation in the Wembley showpiece.
Tonight’s Euro 2024 qualifier will be Italy’s first match against England back at the national stadium since that game.
England need just a point to secure the summit spot in Group C and a guaranteed place in the latest finals, which take place in Germany in 2024.
Walker remembers the disappointment of that penalty shoot-out loss as victory would have ensured the country’s first major honour since the World Cup of 1966.
But our captain pointed to City’s defeat in the 2021 Champions League final to Chelsea and our subsequent triumph over Inter in 2023.
He believes that should stand as a beacon of hope for Gareth Southgate’s men.
“We fell short on that night,” said Walker of the Euro 2020 final.
“This is the first time they’re coming back to Wembley so hopefully we can go out there and put on a good performance and maybe 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’d been so good, it was devastating.
“I feel just like at club level, I went to Porto and lost against Chelsea 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.”
Tonight’s encounter is a 19:45 (UK) kick-off and Walker is hopeful of a confident, assured display.
He admits that he’d happily accept a draw if it meant qualification for his fourth major finals, his first coming in the World Cup 2018 in Russia and his last in the World Cup 2022 in Qatar.
“We get a draw and we go through so it’s about managing the game,” added Walker.
“First and foremost, it’s about going out and putting a performance on and winning but I wouldn’t be ashamed if it’s a 0-0 and we’re in the Euros and I’m going to represent my country at the finals.”
