With some interesting third place teams entering the Last 16 it means that all the big hitters of Europe and their superstars are still in the tournament, along with some real scrappers relying on a low block, grit and some luck.
Given that context, we wanted to continue our form of asking AI and an outspoken England fan; who has the best chance of taking home the golden boot?
Here is the context: We’re yet to see the superstars take the tournament by the scruff of the neck with players like Harry Kane and Kylian Mbappe scoring just one goal during the group stages. Even more surprising is 2020’s Golden Boot winner Cristiano Ronaldo is still waiting to get off the mark for the tournament.
There have been a whopping seven own goals so far in the tournament, and what about this? - The player leading the Golden Boot standings is Georges Mikautadze of Georgia, with goals in each of the group stage games propelling Metz striker to the top of the standings.
Last but not least, England. Although their performances have been muted they are unbeaten with a strong defence, while arguably get the ‘easier’ side of the draw after finishing top of their group. Harry Kane is the joint favourite to win the Golden Boot at 7/1 with Ladbrokes
Kane shares the favourite tag with 2022 World Cup Golden Boot winner Kylian Mbappe. The Frenchman’s only goal this tournament came via the penalty spot and Les Bleus will be hoping he can kick on and lead them to victory.
So who are AI backing to win the Golden Boot? We ask Gemini this prompt:
“Please give me one option as to who you think will win the Golden Boot at the 2024 European Championships”
AI surprisingly believe in the underdog story and is guessing that Georges Mikautadze will remain top goalscorer of the tournament…
This is a tough call as there are several players in contention! However, based on current form and the surprise factor, let's go with Georges Mikautadze from Georgia. He's currently leading the scorer's chart with 3 goals, and if Georgia advances further in the knockout stages, he could rack up more. It would be a fascinating underdog story if he takes home the Golden Boot.
The Georgian forward is currently 12/1 with Ladbrokes to not only win the Golden Boot, but to also shock the world.
One player that we believe has gone under the radar during this tournament is Cody Gakpo. The Liverpool player already has two goals during this campaign which amounts to half of the Netherlands goals.
They’re on the same side as England which is arguably ‘the weaker’ side of the draw. Whilst they’ve already lost to Austria, knockout football is a whole different beast with the Netherlands having a good chance of progressing far in the tournament.
Gakpo is currently 12/1 like Mikautadze, to win the Golden Boot with Ladbrokes.
As for Pazz, who has been out in Germany watching the Euros unfold for Ladbrokes, he’s backing 10/1 shot Niclas Fullkrug.
“I think Fullkrug has an old school tradition 9 about him. He’s already scored two off the bench and is a constant headache for people to deal with. I reckon Germany go pretty far in the tournament giving him plenty of chances to throw defenders around”
Throughout the tournament Ladbrokes are offering a free matched bet up to £5 on any game at the Euros. Simply place a £5 betbuilder on any game at Euro 2024 and you will receive your matched free bet.
18+ GambleAware.org. Odds correct as of 12:00 27/6/24
Thomas Thorn