IN the knockout stages of Euro 2024, having a striker capable of delivering heavy blows can make the difference between heading home early and going on a glory run.
Most of the stars on show managed to get off the mark in the group stage but nobody has managed to grab the tournament by the scruff of the neck and race clear at the top of the scoring charts.
It's all about hitting top form at the right though so managers will be looking for their big guns to come out firing in the last 16. Here's a look at the best Euro 2024 strikers and some betting trends.
Best Euro 2024 strikers
Kylian Mbappe (France) – 81 Caps 48 International goals
The French magician was top scorer at the World Cup with eight goals, including a hat-trick in the final, but netted just once in the group stage at Euro 2024. However, he did sit out one game due to a broken nose and could come alive in the last 16 after getting off the mark last time out against Poland.
Kylian Mbappe international goals – trends to watch
The star man operated off the left flank against Austria and could offer some value for a goal scored outside the box once he's fit enough to start again. Although he netted eight times at the World Cup, only one of those goals was the opener and all of his strikes came in the second half.
Harry Kane (England) – 94 Caps 64 International goals
Set another record by netting against Denmark in the group stage, with his 13th goal at a major finals surpassing any other Englishman. But the striker has taken flak for his displays in all three group games and needs to step things up in the knockout stages.
Harry Kane international goals – trends to watch
Kane has been forced to drop deep to get involved and had an effort from distance saved in the dreary draw with Slovenia. That suggests it might be worth a speculative punt on him scoring outside the box at long odds. England have yet to win a penalty at the finals and 21 of Kane's international goals have come from the spot.
Georges Mikautadze (Georgia) – 29 Caps 14 International goals
Hats off to anyone who had a speculative punt on the Georgian striker being top scorer at Euro 2024. Most people thought the minnows would be heading home after the group stage but they're into the last 16 and Mikautadze is topping the scoring charts.
Georges Mikautadze international goals – trends to watch
After a smart finish in Georgia's opener, Mikautadze's other two goals have come from the spot at Euro 2024. With last-16 opponents Spain conceding a spot-kick in their win over Croatia, it might pay to back the striker to score another penalty.
Niclas Fullkrug (Germany) – 19 Caps 13 International goals
The Dortmund striker has an incredible scoring rate on the international stage, averaging well over a goal every other game. He has been an impact sub for the Germans so far but two goals off the bench have pressed his claims for a start in the knockout stages.
Niclas Fullkrug international goals – trends to watch
Germany look a much more balanced team with Fullkrug up front instead of Kai Havertz so it will be interesting to see if Julian Nagelsmann starts him against Denmark in the last 16. The Dortmund hitman offers a physical presence and could be worth backing for a headed goal after nodding home a late leveller against the Swiss.
Cody Gakpo (Netherlands) – 24 Caps 10 International goals
The Netherlands haven't convinced so far and only made it through to the last 16 as one of the best third-placed teams. But they've carried a threat and Gakpo has looked the most accomplished forward, netting against both Poland and Austria.
Cody Gakpo international goals – trends to watch
The Liverpool forward has been deadly cutting in from the left flank to have pop with his right foot. That's how both his goals have come so far at the Euros. He's not afraid to have a pop from distance and might offer value for a goal outside the box.
I'm a sports journalist, football tipster and author from Dundee, who is now working in Glasgow. I've covered games at every level, from Junior football to internationals, and still love football even though it has clearly sold its soul. I've been in football tipping since 2018 with the MFT site.
