The Euro 2016 football championships are taking place in France this summer, with some of the worlds finest footballers set to grace the tournament.
With 24 nations competing, stars such as Portugals Cristiano Ronaldo, Swedens Zalatan Ibrahimovic and Wales Gareth Bale will all be hoping to make a mark in the competition. But which player will emerge top scorer and win the Golden Boot? In this video, IBTimes UK sports writers assess the candidates and give their verdict.
The favourites
Unsurprisingly, Ronaldo is the favourite with most bookmakers to claim the prize. The 31-year-old scored the winning penalty to secure Real Madrids Champions League victory over local rivals Atletico last month. With Portugal in a relatively easy group of Austria, Iceland and Hungary, dont be surprise if Ronaldos lethal record in front of goal continues over the summer.
Behind Ronaldo according to the bookmakers is the unsung hero of Germanys World Cup winning team, Thomas Muller. The 26-year-old Bayern Munich striker narrowly missed out on winning the Golden Boot in Brazil two years ago, scoring five goals in both that World Cup and the previous one in South Africa. The tournament specialist will be hoping to continue his form on the big stage in France.
Third and fourth with most bookmakers are French stars Antoine Griezmann and Olivier Giroud. Rising star Griezmann managed 32 goals last season for Champions League finalists Atletico Madrid, whilst Giroud, after a less than stellar season for Arsenal, will be relieved in not facing competition to lead Frances front line from Karim Benzema, who has been suspended from the team following his alleged involvement in a blackmail plot of fellow French footballer Mathieu Valbuena.
And what of Harry Kanes prospects? The England striker is fifth favourite in most quarters following a sensational season for Tottenham Hotspur, racking up 25 goals to become the first Englishman to finish top scorer in the in the Premier League since Kevin Phillips in 2002. If the Three Lions progress far, then the 22-year-old could go on to lift the Golden Boot this summer as well.
