UEFA Euro 2016, B/R 200: Top 20 Strikers
Goals are the lifeblood of football. They are the primary objective of every team and every manager. No silverware is lifted without a productive offensive structure. The main members in those systems are strikers.
In-form strikers can carry their clubs through leagues or cup competitions, their countries through international tournaments.
Dependent on service and parts around them, if No. 9s don't do their job (putting away chances), their team-mates' work usually goes to waste.
Ahead of the 2016 UEFA European Championship—the world's second-most prestigious international competition (behind only the FIFA World Cup)—Bleacher Report asked which of Europe's chosen strikers are best.
It was a weird selection process for strikers this summer. France are hosting the tournament without the potent duo of Karim Benzema and Alexandre Lacazette. Spain have elected to defend their cup minus Diego Costa and Fernando Torres, while Euro 2012 star, Mario Balotelli, was barely a thought for Italy.
The missing talent is immense. Those chosen for France, however, must perform.
Criteria are weighted for a best-possible score of 100.
The first 50 points are judged by a presence rating: This includes aerial prowess, hold-up play, movement around the 18-yard box and one's influence on defences/defenders.
The last 50 are measured by a finishing rating: This includes first touch, composure and the ability to consistently put away chances.
When added together, our overall score is made. In the event of a tie, we simply ask, using what we hope is common sense: "Who would I rather have at this competition?"
20. Marcus Rashford, England
1 of 20
Presence Rating: 33/50
The coronation of Marcus Rashford is premature. Fresh from football's would-be nursery and thrust onto Old Trafford's monumental stage (more by happenstance than some master plan), the 18-year-old performed well—gaining the attention of England manager Roy Hodgson.
A work in progress, the teenager seems a complete package: pace, technique and the uncanny ability of being in the right position. It's an admirable set for the burgeoning striker to build his career upon, but 2016 might be too soon.
Needing the seasoning that time provides, Rashford simply being a member of England's Euro 2016 squad is fantastic experience moving forward.
Finishing Rating: 36/50
In his short time at Manchester United, the striker has shown an ability to finish. Five goals in 11 Premier League appearances, and three goals in seven cup matches (combining the UEFA Europa League and FA Cup) was Rashford's impressive debut season.
How new manager Jose Mourinho intends on using his young attacker (if at all) seems an interesting subplot for next season, but there is summer business ahead yet.
Overall Rating: 69/100
England have one of the best strikeforces at Euro 2016. Rashford could, therefore, play a role in the group stages, providing his team-mates with much-needed rest.
Will the teen be a major factor, though? Probably not, but—by virtue of his presence—there's a chance.
19. Burak Yilmaz, Turkey
2 of 20
Presence Rating: 34/50
Leaving Galatasaray for Beijing Guoan in the Chinese Super League in February, Burak Yilmaz risked losing his place in Turkey's starting XI, but the 30-year-old is still manager Fatih Terim's best No. 9.
The 6'2" striker plays the offside line, employing his pace and timing to make runs and get behind defences. That style can be equal parts fruitful and frustrating. For every goal created, it feels like 10 offside calls and misplaced passes.
When on his game, and playing against slower defenders, however, Yilmaz's game is perfectly suited for an open, expansive side—something to which Turkey aspire.
Finishing Rating: 37/50
The highlight of his game, in comparison to his other strengths and weaknesses, is finishing.
In 251 Turkish Super Lig matches, Yilmaz netted 135 goals with five different clubs. Furthermore, in 44 international caps, the striker has scored 20 goals—the most of any Turk selected for Euro 2016.
Last season, he had nine goals in 15 league games for Galatasaray before heading to Beijing.
Overall Rating: 71/100
Besiktas' Cenk Tosun could be Terim's first-choice striker for Turkey's first match against Croatia. If goals aren't coming, though, Yilmaz is a great change of pace—provided health allows him.
Many would be tempted to start the veteran attacker, but it might be worth saving him.
18. Marc Janko, Austria
3 of 20
Presence Rating: 36/50
Joining FC Basel from Sydney FC last summer, Marc Janko hit the ground running in Switzerland.
Paired with forward Breel Embolo and putting his 6'5" frame to excellent use, the Austria international was an integral part of his new club's first-place finish (by 14 points) and automatic qualification for the 2016/17 UEFA Champions League.
Janko doesn't have pace or overt dribbling ability, but he keeps opposing defenders honest with height. An aerial master, his biggest strengths are winning headers, employing flick-ons and finding space during set pieces.
Finishing Rating: 36/50
The 32-year-old is a match-up problem for most centre-backs and takes advantage of that. During his professional and international career, Janko (featuring 429 times) has scored 221 goals.
More recently, he had 16 goals in 20 league appearances for Basel—a magnificent piece of business from the Swiss side, especially for a free transfer.
Overall Rating: 72/100
Austria will need Janko to carry his league form to France at Euro 2016.
Marko Arnautovic, David Alaba and Zlatko Junuzovic appear to be manager Marcel Koller's danger men, but without their No. 9 playing to his level (making himself the ideal target man), their collective ambition to advance past the group stages will fall short.
17. Marcus Berg, Sweden
4 of 20
Presence Rating: 36/50
Panathinaikos' Marcus Berg was his club's foremost attacking star last season.
The Swede is a well-travelled striker, with spells in his home country, the Netherlands and Germany before landing in Greece.
More a finisher than creator, the No. 9 needs great positioning and timing to score goals—he has those qualities but isn't an imposing figure in any sense.
Finishing Rating: 38/50
Olympiakos won Superleague Greece by 30 points; their margin would have been larger had Berg not enjoyed a great 2015/16 season for the country's second-place club.
Scoring 15 goals in 22 matches, the Sweden international was largely in form. His goal tally was certainly inflated, notching five goals on the season's final day against Panthrakikos Komotini, but the performance showed when Berg gets hot, not much can stop him.
Overall Rating: 74/100
One player who can stop the 29-year-old is fellow Sweden team-mate Zlatan Ibrahimovic. The former Paris Saint-Germain striker takes the bulk of his country's scoring chances, leaving the Panathinaikos man in the background by some distance.
That being said, Sweden cannot live on Ibrahimovic alone (as much as he might try to convince otherwise).
As Ibra's sidekick, Berg must use the attention his world-class partner receives to his advantage at Euro 2016—getting in scoring areas and making positive things happen for his country.
16. Andre-Pierre Gignac, France
5 of 20
Presence Rating: 39/50
Andre-Pierre Gignac has been in the picture for France since his debut in 2009, but Euro 2016 wasn't meant to be for him.
Moving to Liga MX's Tigres UANL was something of a summer shock; the long-serving Olympique de Marseille striker could have gone several places in Europe, but he elected for North America, putting his international career on the line.
In Mexico, though, the 30-year-old thrived. Using his aerial and 18-yard-box prowess, Dede was his usual domineering self—enough to catch the eyes of France manager Didier Deschamps.
Finishing Rating: 36/50
In 46 games for Tigres, the Frenchman scored 32 goals. In 409 senior appearances, Gignac has netted 163 times, so his North American performances shouldn't be too much of a surprise, but they are.
Is the European perspective of players going to Major League Soccer or Liga MX biased? Certainly. Italy manager Antonio Conte wouldn't select the MLS' Andrea Pirlo or Sebastian Giovinco, but football is football. If the France international is scoring goals (at that clip), he must be considered.
Overall Rating: 75/100
One of the more physical strikers France could have selected, Gignac was called above Benzema, Lacazette and Kevin Gameiro.
Maybe thinking he is the closest duplicate of Olivier Giroud, Deschamps has maintained consistency with the former Marseille man. By the same token, though, he loses the dynamism those other strikers can offer.
15. Artem Dzyuba, Russia
6 of 20
Presence Rating: 38/50
Artem Dzyuba might have thought he was upgrading clubs when he left FC Rostov last summer. While on loan with FC Spartak Moscow two seasons ago, Rostov ended 14th in the Russian Premier League.
After his loan, the imposing striker was bought by Zenit St Petersburg. A perennial contender for Russia's top domestic honours, former manager Andre Villas-Boas' club looked a desired destination. It just so happened last year that Rostov finished second and Zenit were third in the table.
That premature exit, though, cannot be blamed on Dzyuba—the No. 9 did his job at Zenit. Standing 6'5" and weighing 200 pounds, the Russian uses his frame to great effect. A serious threat from above, the 27-year-old causes immediate issues for most central defenders.
Finishing Rating: 38/50
For his new club, Dzyuba scored 15 league goals last season; that number represented 25 percent of Zenit's offensive output in the Russian Premier League (add assists and the figure approaches 40 percent).
Difficult to mark and challenging to game-plan for, Dzyuba complicates opposition tactics even further with his clinical nature and set-piece competence.
Overall Rating: 76/100
Entering Euro 2016 without Alan Dzagoev, thus relying on Oleg Shatov and Aleksandr Kokorin to create chances, Russia need Zenit's mammoth striker to be immense.
If getting past fellow group-stage members England, Slovakia and Wales is possible, it will only be through Dzyuba's goals.
14. Arkadiusz Milik, Poland
7 of 20
Presence Rating: 39/50
Crafting two impressive seasons with Ajax, Arkadiusz Milik has become, in relatively quick succession, Poland's "next best thing." Finding his way to the Netherlands through the Bundesliga's Bayer Leverkusen, the move was an inspired decision.
A tall, striding striker, the 22-year-old knows how to create space with his movement. Faking runs to either post, then retreating or advancing to find more advantageous positions are veteran moves he is already beginning to master.
Learning his position fully will come with time; when Milik does, Ajax probably won't to be able keep him.
Finishing Rating: 40/50
In his time with the Dutch giants, the left-footed Milik has played 75 times. Scoring 47 goals, his record suggests one of world football's promising, up-and-coming strikers. Left foot, right foot, header—all stations are in attendance.
Moving to a better league would further test Milik's clinical nature, but developing in the Eredivisie seems more than appropriate for the time being.
Overall Rating: 79/100
For his country, Robert Lewandowski is the beginning and the end. Milik should find himself in great positions at Euro 2016, but most attention will be given (rightly so) to the Bayern Munich dynamo.
The Poles are ubiquitous dark horses. Finding production outside their talisman is their chief concern, and Milik's role is vastly more important than many are lending thought.
13. Christian Benteke, Belgium
8 of 20
Presence Rating: 42/50
How good can Christian Benteke be? In the right system, great. In the wrong system, desperate.
Last summer, former Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers bought the striker (much like Mario Balotelli the year prior) who didn't match their scheme; growing pains occurred.
Rodgers didn't last—current manager Jurgen Klopp is now at Anfield—but the Belgian tower still doesn't really fit.
More a change of pace than starter for Liverpool, Benteke has been used when his club are up against the proverbial wall to maximize his superior heading prowess. Fantastic at flick-ons and the like, the Kinshasa-born Belgium international is one of the best aerially in the Premier League.
Finishing Rating: 38/50
With his head, Benteke is a great finisher; using his feet, he becomes more sporadic. Capable of the spectacular (as witnessed against Manchester United), an amazing striker lies in the 25-year-old; he just needs the reliability to match.
Aston Villa were relegated without his goals last year. Scoring 49 in 101 for the Villans, Benteke was their talisman, and his absence was noticeable/damning. In Liverpool's bigger pond, though, he tends to get lost.
Overall Rating: 80/100
The same could be said for Belgium.
Forwards Divock Origi, Yannick Ferreira Carrasco and Michy Batshuayi are interesting change-of-pace options, and Romelu Lukaku is manager Marc Wilmots' first-choice No. 9.
Timing when to use Benteke's preferred target-man role is debatable, but it's a necessary scheme.
12. Mario Mandzukic, Croatia
9 of 20
Presence Rating: 41/50
One of Europe's more useful strikers—when used properly—Mario Mandzukic isn't going to score 35 goals in a season, but the Croatia international can serve a purpose for a club willing to sacrifice flamboyance for consistency.
A 6'3", 18-yard-box hound, the Juventus No. 9 has great anticipation and just enough quickness to get in position. His more coveted quality, though, is hold-up play—getting his team-mates involved and hoping to capitalise on their forward momentum.
Finishing Rating: 41/50
Mandzukic is in that precarious position of being effective (even extremely so) but not necessarily world class. In his last four professional seasons, the Croatian has scored 81 goals in 167 games, but Bayern Munich and Atletico Madrid were happy to let the fourth year be in Turin.
The 30-year-old doesn't have every finish required to take his game to the next level, but the level he's on is more than respectable—one that most footballers would readily take.
Overall Rating: 82/100
Croatia are dependent and reliant on every strike the Juventus attacker can muster. Their midfield of Ivan Rakitic and Luka Modric is one of Euro 2016's best, but is that enough to advance past the group stages without a goalscoring focal point?
One wouldn't think so, and Mandzukic is the individual tasked with either scoring those goals or linking play to get his team-mates into dangerous positions.
11. Graziano Pelle, Italy
10 of 20
Presence Rating: 43/50
There are a few players who have football's equivalent of magnets in their chest. Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Didier Drogba being examples. Southampton's Graziano Pelle is a member of that club as well.
The 6'4" Italian uses that body control to his side's advantage, passing with his chest and head from long balls to create havoc around the opposition's penalty area.
Manager Ronald Koeman worked with the 30-year-old in the Netherlands with AZ Alkmaar and Feyenoord, so when he left for St. Mary's Stadium, he took Pelle with him—the former Netherlands international knowing the exact qualities he wanted, ones that would work in the Premier League.
Finishing Rating: 39/50
An immense figure to defend against, Pelle's link play is not his only strength. Were he not playing in Holland for a few seasons and then charged with Southampton's rebuilding job and put in an attacking setup with world-class players around him, the Italy international would have more goals to his name.
In his professional career, Pelle has 124 goals and 34 assists in 356 games—using primarily his surprising athleticism, serviceable technical ability and domineering presence.
Overall Rating: 82/100
Somewhere between Mario Balotelli going to a sinking AC Milan and Koeman taking over at Southampton, Italy manager Conte decided Pelle was the Azzurri's best striker.
Needing a target man for his 3-5-2, someone for his wing-backs, central midfielders and strike partner to play off, Pelle is the ideal No 9 for Conte.
He isn't dynamic and won't do anything outside himself but is a reliable man to build one's attack around; those qualities likely attracted Italy's boss.
10. Mario Gomez, Germany
11 of 20
Presence Rating: 42/50
It almost looked over for Mario Gomez. His Serie A adventure was a disaster after leaving Bayern Munich. Fourteen goals in 47 appearances for Fiorentina almost made people forget his borderline-incredible performances with the Bavarian giants.
Loaned to Besiktas during the 2015 summer transfer window, it seemed a white flag—like the 30-year-old had accepted his fate as a good-not-great striker, who would become a journeyman. The jury is still out, but Gomez was brilliant in Istanbul.
Using his 6'2", 194-pound build, the German is a unit when he decides; control with his head, chest and feet, Gomez has the complete arsenal. His crafty movement to create space, however, is what sets him apart—years of schooling at Bayern carried over, no doubt.
Finishing Rating: 42/50
In 236 Bundesliga matches (split between Stuttgart and Bayern), the striker bagged 138 goals. Finding the Turkish Super Lig apparent light work, he regained his form from days gone by and scored 26 goals in 33 appearances.
Comparing Germany to Turkey should not be done—they are completely different competitions—but the goals were enough for Joachim Low (not that he really had a choice) to choose Gomez for his Euro 2016 squad.
Overall Rating: 84/100
Die Mannschaft could play a false-nine formation to start the competition. Mario Gotze or Thomas Muller might serve as auxiliary forwards. As the tournament progresses, though, starting a target man like Gomez seems more than likely.
The striker probably won't win the golden boot award, but any goals Gomez scores are likely to have major ramifications.
9. Olivier Giroud, France
12 of 20
Presence Rating: 44/50
Bought for £12 million four years ago, Olivier Giroud has been a relative success for Arsenal.
Neither particularly quick nor agile, he has existed largely on supreme 18-yard-box prowess. His aptitude for reading situations, running to the correct post and finding space in dangerous areas is fantastic.
Always making the correct runs and linking play with his 6'4" frame, the France international is the only attacker at his club with that particular skill set mastered.
Finishing Rating: 41/50
Montpellier won the 2011/12 French crown by three points over Paris Saint-Germain. Giroud produced more than 30 percent of his former side's offensive production, winning Ligue 1's top goalscorer honours in the process.
Not needed to create the bulk of Arsenal's offence, his task is scoring the goals he's supposed to—some days he does, other days his focus is lacking.
Despite collecting 82 goals for manager Arsene Wenger in 187 games, Giroud is an easy scapegoat when things go sideways. In his defence, he plays to his level: demanding more than that is avarice.
Overall Rating: 85/100
At Euro 2016, the 29-year-old could take the golden boot or just as easily flop; predicting what he'll do is like attempting to catch the wind.
France manager Didier Deschamps, who has left the likes of Karim Benzema and Alexandre Lacazette at home, seems to have confidence in Giroud; for both of their sakes, he had better be right.
8. Aritz Aduriz, Spain
13 of 20
Presence Rating: 45/50
It's a legitimate question: Where exactly has this Aritz Aduriz been for the past 15 years? The 35-year-old has six Spain caps and could start for his country at Euro 2016—but where did he come from?
The best answer is Athletic Club Bilbao, but the rest of this mystery is a challenge. Maybe Los Leones have some long-lost fountain of youth? Maybe their first-choice striker is the latest of late bloomers in world football? Either way, the Spain international scored goals for fun last season.
A nightmare in the penalty box, Aduriz is right-footed, but he scored eight of his 17 league goals (only using goals from open play) with his left foot or head. That suggests/confirms a striker comfortable in the box and a tough defensive assignment.
Finishing Rating: 41/50
Making stops with RCD Mallorca and Valencia CF before joining Bilbao in 2012, Aduriz wasn't spectacular—he was average. Netting 47 goals in 162 games, there wasn't much to suggest his career would take off in his mid-30s, but it has.
The veteran has 98 goals in 183 appearances during his third spell with Athletic Bilbao; this is by far the most fruitful, albeit confusing.
Overall Rating: 86/100
Spain's striking situation heading into Euro 2016 is rather murky. Will manager Vicente del Bosque use the false-nine tactic? Might Celta Vigo's Nolito find himself central?
Aduriz's role seems up in the air. His style is different and needed, but Del Bosque is a man of his own. Starting group-stage matches could work for Spain's oldest participant, but trust doesn't always extend into the knockout rounds.
7. Alvaro Morata, Spain
14 of 20
Presence Rating: 44/50
Alvaro Morata is a case of "what can be" and "what should be," but not always a case of "what is."
Sold to Juventus by Real Madrid two summers ago, the Spanish giants made sure a buyback clause was in the contract. After he had two solid years with the Italian champions, Madrid will probably buy their former striker back and sell him for profit.
One of the more technical, attacking players Juventus have, Morata is a skilled dribbler and—while looking quite languid—can move his body well for a 6'2", 187-pounder.
Finishing Rating: 42/50
The 23-year-old's only real criticism is his calmness when given scoring chances.
Given Juve's strikeforce of Mario Mandzukic, Paulo Dybala and Simone Zaza, the rotation doesn't exactly afford the young Spaniard every opportunity to develop his natural talents without pressure.
Perhaps that's positive moving forward. That criticism aside, despite starting just 42 matches for the Turin club, Morata is directly responsible for 36 goals—scoring 22 of them himself.
Overall Rating: 86/100
Minus the retired David Villa, injured Diego Costa and unselected Fernando Torres, Spain's group of forwards and strikers are an interesting, if not unquantified, bunch.
Morata has the most potential/talent of the lot, but Euro 2016 might be too soon for him to carry his country in a major international tournament. That said, the tools are there for him to use.
6. Jamie Vardy, England
15 of 20
Presence Rating: 44/50
Released from his hometown team, Sheffield Wednesday, as a 16-year-old, before climbing the ladder of non-league football—until being purchased by Leicester City for £1 million in 2012—Jamie Vardy's journey is certainly peculiar.
Last year, the once-questioned seven-figure sum was revealed as a bargain. Winning the Football Writers' Association Player of the Year award and a Premier League winner's medal, the 29-year-old's rise to prominence is equal parts inspiring and dumbfounding.
A lightning-quick player, who blends that pace with a decent touch, his speed and intelligent runs cause havoc for defending back lines.
Finishing Rating: 44/50
Playing 97 Championship and Premier League matches before 2015/16, Vardy had scored 25 goals.
In the 36 matches last season provided, the Englishman scored 24 times, almost equalling his previous output.
Without his goals, Leicester could have been fighting off relegation; with him, Riyad Mahrez, N'Golo Kante and others playing the seasons of their respective careers, manager Claudio Ranieri's side are a collection of historic footballers.
Overall Rating: 88/100
The story doesn't stop there, however; the show must continue.
Now an England international, having made his debut 12 months ago, Vardy is tasked with retaining his Leicester form and scoring goals for the Three Lions at Euro 2016.
5. Daniel Sturridge, England
16 of 20
Presence Rating: 44/50
Manchester City and Chelsea had Daniel Sturridge on their books for nearly a decade combined, yet neither club could fashion a place for the Birmingham-born striker to thrive.
At City, he needed seasoning, but the talent was apparent enough for Chelsea. Often played on the wing or given superficial cameos at centre-forward, Sturridge eventually found respite at Liverpool.
Played in his preferred position (with the space of the pitch at his disposal—not sequestered to a flank), the Reds attacker employs his timing, pace and anticipation, putting back fours on their heels.
His greatest enemy has not been executive oversight or managerial incompetence, though; it's been his own body.
Finishing Rating: 47/50
Frequently betrayed by muscle injuries, the 26-year-old is an obvious injury risk. When fit, however, Sturridge is a natural finisher.
In 92 appearances for Liverpool, the England international has 54 goals (a 59 percent clip)—a ratio on a par with Luis Suarez (62 percent) and Fernando Torres (57 percent) in their time at Anfield. While the latter two were more reliable, the figures are indisputable: Sturridge is the Reds' best striking option.
Overall Rating: 91/100
The same cannot be said for England. Tottenham Hotspur's Harry Kane takes that distinction on a national level, but Sturridge isn't too far behind his countryman.
Manager Hodgson could use a 4-4-2 diamond at Euro 2016, which means two strikers. Jamie Vardy and Kane seem the likely starting pair, but they aren't necessarily the best one.
Sturridge should be covered in bubble wrap, saved from injuries and used the deeper England advance—his quality demands it.
4. Romelu Lukaku, Belgium
17 of 20
Presence Rating: 46/50
Chelsea selling Romelu Lukaku might have been was a mistake. Surplus to former manager Jose Mourinho's requirements, the Blues got £28 million from Everton, but (in football's current market) his worth is now in the neighbourhood of £40 million.
At Goodison Park, the young striker found a home. Surrounded by other burgeoning talents like John Stones and Ross Barkley, former manager Roberto Martinez had a certificated place readied. In his first permanent season in Merseyside, Lukaku played 48 Premier League games and scored 20 times.
Not the usual 6'3" brute, Lukaku is a powerful sprinter. He prefers running down the channels rather than bumping and challenging centre-backs. That leads to numerous offside calls, but when played right, getting the ball off the Belgium international before he shoots is a daunting task.
Finishing Rating: 46/50
Sixty-one goals in 127 Everton appearances (from all competitions) suggests the 23-year-old made a fantastic career decision by permanently leaving Roman Abramovich's club. Directly responsible for 32 goals last season, the Belgian scored 25 goals in 46 games with an additional seven assists.
Showing improved composure and finishing, once Lukaku gains the experience time offers, his goal-per-game ratio should elevate. Cooler heads prevail; they also score more goals.
Overall Rating: 92/100
Belgium have multiple world-class players, and their first-choice striker is knocking on the door but isn't quite there yet.
Needing to take advantage of the attention Eden Hazard and De Bruyne garner, Lukaku must be sharp. His form will dictate Belgium's longevity in France.
3. Harry Kane, England
18 of 20
Presence Rating: 46/50
Tottenham Hotspur's Harry Kane should be a staple in English football for the next decade.
Penalty-box movement, physicality, height/heading ability and clinical prowess are standard elements of his game; strikers can amass fortunes on these characteristics. Teams will learn the 22-year-old, study his strengths and be better prepared as years progress.
Still learning his craft, Kane's potential will be partly determined by stability and injury-free seasons, but him flying or floundering will depend primarily on his ability to cope with familiarity. If 2015/16 is evidence, though, he should be all right.
Finishing Rating: 49/50
Kane is one of the more lethal finishers in England. A clean striker of the ball, with deadly accuracy, it feels at times like the young attacker could find the far post from Mars.
There is an element of calm about the Tottenham man's game, something beyond his years.
Occasionally greedy, missing overlaps and underlaps, for example, selfish strikers are part and parcel of football. With Kane scoring 25 goals in 38 league games last season—winning the Premier League's Golden Boot—manager Mauricio Pochettino should be able to cope.
Overall Rating: 95/100
England have a great strikeforce, arguably the best at Euro 2016, but the Three Lions don't have a rock-solid defence and must put multiple goals on the scoreboard.
The crown jewel of manager Hodgson's side, Kane needs to carry his league form into the tournament. The next month is crucial in his development.
2. Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Sweden
19 of 20
Presence Rating: 50/50
Zlatan Ibrahimovic had never played longer than three seasons (plus four games) at the same club. His four-year career with Paris Saint-Germain was the Swede's longest stint at any destination.
Malmo FF, Ajax, Juventus, Inter Milan, Barcelona and AC Milan saw differing versions of the 34-year-old over 14 seasons, but he produced his best work in Paris.
Blending his experience, technical ability and physical prowess, Ibrahimovic is still the most imposing striker in Europe (probably in the world). Able to score goals with his head and either foot, from open play or set pieces, and by brute force or delicate skill, he is the complete offensive package.
His only demerit would be speed, but his game was never predicated on that element.
Finishing Rating: 50/50
In his professional and international career, Ibrahimovic has played 741 games. Scoring 435 goals in those appearances (and assisting 166 times), there are few better striking resumes in European football.
Last season, Ibrahimovic found the net 38 times in 31 Ligue 1 matches, winning his fourth straight French crown.
There isn't much to explain about his finishing; when he gets a chance, it's almost always a goal.
Overall Rating: 100/100
Sweden are probably too dependent on their talisman. His experience makes him dangerous, his skill makes him dangerous and his mentality makes him dangerous. The parts around him, though, must capitalise on those traits for their country to advance.
It should be interesting watching how far Ibrahimovic can drag his country. There aren't many international matches left in the gargantuan Swede—he'll want to make Euro 2016 memorable.
1. Robert Lewandowski, Poland
20 of 20
Presence Rating: 50/50
Robert Lewandowski was a great player at Borussia Dortmund under manager Jurgen Klopp and was annually touted as one of the world's best strikers; after his move to Bayern Munich, though, arguably world football's best pure No. 9 was unleashed by head coach Pep Guardiola.
The 27-year-old is entering the prime of his career—where one's physical prowess is matched with mental acumen. Lewandowski's quality would allow him to flourish in any system, but Bayern's open, expansive style is ideal.
One of the best off-the-ball strikers the game has, the Poland international finds space, controls his body well and gets into advantageous positions—it helps having team-mates who could find him in the dark.
Finishing Rating: 50/50
Playing 51 games for Bayern Munich last year, Lewandowski found the goal 42 times.
It's an amazing record, and while the Bavarian giants are usually head and shoulders above their competition, putting away chances requires a clinical, ruthless, cold-blooded assassin, and Lewandowski has that personality; the customary smile on his face hiding his true intentions.
Overall Rating: 100/100
Poland have a challenging group. Germany, Ukraine and Northern Ireland represent three different styles to combat. What must translate over all three matches is Lewandowski's form.
The Bayern Munich superstar cannot go missing or have an off night—lest his country's dark-horse hopes will fail to leave the gate.
*Stats and transfer fees via WhoScored.com, Transfermarkt and Soccerbase where not noted.
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