Euro 2024 top scorer tips: Mbappe, Kane, Ronaldo and… Scott McTominay?
- George Dempsey
- 20 May 2024
Planet Sport has picked out our favourite bets for the Golden Boot winner at Euro 2024 with Kylian Mbappe, Harry Kane, Cristiano Ronaldo and more in the mix.
It’s tempting to back a player you’d expect to make the final four, which makes someone like Kylian Mbappe a tasty proposition for that reason alone.
But remember that our Arry’ (Kane) bullied three bang-average teams in the 2018 World Cup group stage to claim the Golden Boot.
Planet Sport has previewed some justified favourites and some cheeky little outside bets.
Suggested bets
Kylian Mbappe
Some things need no explanation. France’s number 10 rattled in 27 Ligue 1 goals this campaign, and nine in eight matches during qualifying for France.
His tally of eight goals in Qatar was enough to claim the Golden Boot and although Les Blues have seen easier groups, they should make the final four.
On the other hand, he's scored four in his last two appearances against the Dutch, a brace against Poland at the 2022 World Cup and a goal in both starts against Austria.
Harry Kane
Bayern Munich’s red-hot hitman has 62 international goals, with 21 coming from the spot. However, England scored 13 goals in the Qatar World Cup, with just two belonging to Kane.
Even at the Euros, partly on home soil, he bagged four of England’s 11 tournament goals, just one more than Raheem Sterling.
Although he’s a lethal finisher and the price is justified, England may have to grind their way through the group and may fall as early as the quarter-finals against Italy.
Cristiano Ronaldo
Portugal is in a group with the Czech Republic, Georgia and Turkey, which could be profitable. You can’t trust Turkey, while Georgia could be there for the taking.
If Selecao can top their group, their route to the final could involve Scotland, Netherlands and hosts Germany, so there will be ample opportunity for goals.
That said, the 39-year-old is being priced this way out of respect. He’s not a top-level player these days and the Portuguese have many goal threats. Possible, but unlikely.
Romelu Lukaku
Although he’s priced as an outsider, it would be rude not to mention big Rom as he fired in 14 goals in eight appearances during qualifying.
He weighed in with another 14 during domestic competition for Roma, but his best showings came in Europe, where he scored seven goals in 13 outings.
With quality service from Jeremy Doku, Leandro Trossard and Kevin De Bruyne, we think he could better the four goals he’s scored at previous tournaments.
Bukayo Saka
If you are looking for an English contender, then Bukayo Saka offers better value than Kane. The wideman is improving all the time and had a hand in 33 goals across all competitions this season.
The 22-year-old has 11 goals in 32 caps and while most eyes will be on the number nine, Saka can unbalance defences and create gaps.
Arsenal's star man found the net four times in seven qualifiers, as well as three times in four appearances at the World Cup, which is a ratio that could put him in the mix in Germany.
Kai Havertz
Germany haven't produced a convincing tournament display for several years, but they’re on home soil and should benefit from a favourable group.
Kai Havertz was the most advanced player in a 4-2-3-1 during their most recent matches, a role he’s flourished in for Arsenal, scoring 13 goals and providing 13 assists.
It’s also possible that Germany could secure a relatively drama-free path to the semi-final, giving him plenty of opportunity to net.
Dusan Vlahovic
Aleksandar Mitrovic has been scoring goals for Serbia for many years. However, it's almost time for him to step aside and pass the torch to Dusan Vlahovic.
The 6ft 2in forward has spent the season digging Juventus out of holes and helping them scrape narrow wins, scoring 18 goals to take his career tally to 93 in 235 appearances.
Considering he's only 24 years of age, that's an elite return. He'll face two favourable opponents in the group stage and while Germany may await them in the knockouts, they're capable of pulling off an upset or two.
Scott McTominay
If we’re going to include Lukaku based on having a good qualifying campaign, then don’t forget about Scott McTominay, who popped up with seven for the Scots.
He helped them slay giants like Cyprus and Georgia, while also helping himself to a brace against those minnows known as Spain. Plus, Erik ten Hag thinks he’s a striker.
Their chances of a deep run may be slim, but finishing second behind Germany isn’t beyond them if they summon the spirit of qualifying. And who knows, maybe it’ll be a low total.
