Introduction

There have been a few standout players so far at the Euros so I’ve had a look at both the senior and Young Player of the Tournament betting to see who’s value and who’s not worth backing.

Player of the Tournament

Raheem Sterling – 2.75

The England man and current favourite to come away with the Player of the Tournament award is richly deserving of his place amongst some big names in contention for the gong. He’s been vital for Gareth Southgate’s men, putting in crucial game-winning performances against Croatia, Czech Republic and Germany. He’s had to deal with a turbulent season at club level, with Pep Guardiola preferring the likes of Bernardo Silva, Phil Foden and Riyad Mahrez often throughout Man City’s title winning campaign.

He’s risen to the challenge of being a leader for this England side and proven exactly why Southgate was right to stick by his man rather than bow to public pressure and go for Jack Grealish, Jadon Sancho or Marcus Rashford ahead of the 26-year-old. It may come down to who has the best final, with the four most likely candidates to lift the Player of the Tournament award all expected to start, though, for me, Sterling is best placed to add this award to an already swollen trophy cabinet.

Karry Kane – 4.5

Next down on the list is Sterling’s international and potentially soon-to-be club colleague Harry Kane. Tottenham captain Kane took to life at Euro 2020 slowly, and looked almost anonymous in all three group games, failing to score against any Croatia, Scotland or Czech Republic. He has well and truly answered any critics he had from his unusually slow start, scoring four times in the three knock-out games, not only firing England to possible glory but putting him the frame for individual awards. Not only is Kane in with a shout of the best player accolade, but he’s just a goal behind Cristiano Ronaldo in the race for the Golden Boot.

A hattrick of top scorer, player of the tournament and lifting the Euros would certainly look good on the Kane’s CV, who despite boasting a lot of individual awards, his club honour list is worryingly sparce for a player of his undoubted qualities. He may be looking to rectify that at club level but for now a game-winning performance against Italy would not only quench a thirst for trophies but would also put him in with a great chance of lifting the player of the tournament award.

Jorginho – 10.0

I doubt many would’ve had Jorginho down as having a good chance of winning the player of the tournament going into the last game of Euro 2020 before we kicked off last month, but the Chelsea midfielder has had a fantastic summer. He’s imperative to Italy, making them tick, especially during the early tournament absence of his partner in crime Marco Verratti. It’s telling that we’re seeing the best of him this year, with both Thomas Tuchel and Roberto Mancini demanding his passing to be more direct than under previous managers.

With Jorginho being on penalties, with his coolness from 12 yards exemplified as he calmly tucked one past Unai Simon in the semi-finals, there’s every chance he could have a massive say in this final, beyond dictating the tempo against Declan Rice and Kalvin Phillips. Another controlling 90 minutes from him and he could be looking to add not just the Euro 2020 trophy to the Champions League he’s just won but also the Player of the Tournament award.

Giorgio Chiellini – 11.0

At similar odds to the man stood in front of him, I’m surprised to see Giorgio Chiellini is the fourth favourite for the individual award. He’s undoubtedly had a great Euro 2020 and is in my team of the tournament but I’m not sure he’s done enough to deserve this one. His antics ahead of the Spain penalty shoot-out were funny, bordering on manic given how cool he was despite the circumstances, but I’d be wanting more than 11.0 for him to win Player of the Tournament.

He had a steady season in the Bundesliga with Bayer Leverkusen, having really struggled at Roma previously, but five goals at Euro 2020 may tempt sides looking for a striker to have a look at the 25-year-old, the likes of Spurs, Everton and West Ham have already been linked to the striker.

Young Player of the Tournament

Gianluigi Donnarumma – 1.67

I am a little surprised to see Gigi Donnarumma to be this short, despite looking remarkably calm and composed at just 22-years-old. He’s not had the most settled defence in front of him which should count in his favour and could yet prove decisive in the final. He’s not been the busiest keeper at these games but it easy to forget how old he is given it feels like he’s been first-choice for club and country for years.

I can see him winning this award as it’s easy to overlook the role he’s played in Italy getting this far, I’m just not convinced there’s much value in getting on Donnarumma at 1.67, especially given how impressive Pedri has been for Spain, the next down in the market.

Pedri – 2.63

The Barcelona midfielder is the Donnarumma’s serious competition for the young player of the tournament and the 18-year-old can count himself unlucky he doesn’t have another chance to show the world why he’s rated so highly by anyone who’s had the pleasure of watching him play football. Luis Enrique compared him to Andreas Iniesta after the semi-final and it’s easy to see why he’s drawing comparisons with one of the finest footballers in both Spain’s and Barca’s history.

I did actually tip Pedri to lift this award ahead of the tournament at 34.0 so I may be a little biased but I do think he’s had a better individual tournament Donnarumma, or anyone eligible to lift this award, but given the Italian keeper has a game more to show his credentials I think Pedri will just miss out on this one unfortunately, though I’m certain there will be many individual and club honours to come for Pedri.

Bukayo Saka – 11.0

Another youngster that I’m sure will go on to have a fine career is Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka. He has only featured in three games at these finals but the English winger has lit up all three of those ties, with moments of individual brilliance, yet not forgetting to chip in defensively, a quality that has seen him favoured over the more experienced and clamoured for Jadon Sancho at Euro 2020.

He’s certainly established himself as an important part of this England side and its future but, for me, he’s not in the running for this award, barring a massive performance in the final. He’s played nowhere near the same minutes as those ahead of him in the betting and though he’s been impressive in bursts he’s not had the same level of tournament or is as important to his country as either of Pedri or Donnarumma are for their nations.

Declan Rice – 15.0

Not too many would’ve been on the West Ham man for this market, with Declan Rice not as fashionable as some of the more fancied names. He’s had a fantastic tournament though and alongside Kalvin Phillips formed a formidable midfield partnership that has allowed the more creative players ahead of them to flourish. Rice has really stood out and seems to add more and more to his game as the matches tick along.

He’ll undoubtedly be an important part of England’s future and present, and another strong shielding performance could give England the platform to hurt Italy and win the Euros. However, I’m not sure he’s done enough to warrant this award, though at 15.0 I do fancy him more than Saka. But, Pedri’s performances have been more eye-catching and Donnarumma hasn’t put a foot wrong thus far, whereas Rice has struggled at times against more experienced opposition, with the likes of Toni Kroos and Thomas Delaney having, at least, spells of dominance over the 22-year-old.

---

---

* All odds displayed correct at the time of publishing *