STRIKERS are the players who grab the glory at major tournaments and we've seen a few big guns show their predatory instincts so far in the first two rounds of group games.
It's now crunch time in the final set of fixtures with a few of the favourites still to guarantee their place in the last 16. Managers will be looking for their stars to shine and here's a look at the best Euro 2024 strikers and betting trends.
Best Euro 2024 strikers
Kylian Mbappe (France) – 80 Caps 47 International goals
The French magician was top scorer at the World Cup with eight goals, including a hat-trick in the final. But he missed two good chances against Austria before suffering an horrific broken nose that made him sit out the 0-0 draw with Dutch. With France still not guaranteed a last-16 slot he could feature in the final group gane with 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) – 93 Caps 64 International goals
Set another record by netting against Denmark on Monday, with his 13th goal at a major finals surpassing any other Englishman. But the striker looked a shadow of himself again and was subbed in the second half. Needs a big performance against Slovenia in the final group game to spark back to life.
Harry Kane international goals – trends to watch
Kane has been starved of service so far but still knows how to put the ball away when a chance lands in his path, having hit the bar against Serbia then followed it up with a cool finish against the Danes. A whopping 21 goals of his England goals have come from the spot so there could be value in backing him to net a penalty against the Slovenians.
Romelu Lukaku (Belgium) – 116 Caps 85 International goals
As the spearhead for Belgium's golden generation, Lukaku has an incredible record at international level and was top scorer in Euro 2024 qualifying with 14 strikes. He had the ball in the net twice against Slovakia in the Euro 2024 only for VAR to rob him of both goals. That will have made him desperate to make amends in the second game against Romania and the Belgians need their star to deliver in a crucial final clash with Ukraine.
Romelu Lukaku international goals – trends to watch
No striker at Euro 2024 is more physically imposing than Lukaku and his height and power make him a good option for headed goals. The striker netted back-to-back doubles at the 2018 World Cup so he's another who could be worth backing for more than one goal in a game.
Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal) – 207 Caps 128 International goals
Only one European player has scored more goals than Lukaku at international level and that's evergreen Portuguese star Ronaldo. At 39, he's past his best but the superstar was still a threat in the opener against the Czech Republic and came close with a couple of efforts.
Cristiano Ronaldo international goals – trends to watch
Ronaldo's prowess in the air is often under-appreciated and he has scored well over a century of headers throughout his career. Portugal hit so many crosses against the Czechs so he could offer some value for a headed goal at the finals. Got a couple of digs on target in the opener too so backing him for over 1.5 strikes on target could also pay off later on in the tournament.
Cody Gakpo (Netherlands) – 23 Caps 9 International goals
The Netherlands are potential dark horses and Liverpool forward Gakpo impressed in their Group D opener against Poland. He scored the Dutch equaliser and was a constant threat cutting in from the left flank. After facing the French in their second game, Gakpo could be a key man in the final group game with a dangerous Austrian outfit.
Cody Gakpo international goals – trends to watch
If you backed Gakpo for first scorer at the last World Cup you were quids in as he opened the scoring in all three of the Netherland's group games. He didn't net the opener against Poland but still scored the first Dutch goal. Backing him to net the first Netherlands goal against Austria int he final game could pay off. Also has plenty of pops from outside the area, with one forcing the French keeper into a good save on Friday night, so that's another good option for punters going forward.
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.
