With sides likely to take a cautious approach, it will be up to the best forwards in Europe to light up Euro 2016 in France.
Here are five top strikers who can fire their side to glory and challenge for the prestigious Golden Boot award.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic (Sweden)
With the talented striker looking for a new club, it is the perfect stage for Zlatan Ibrahimovic to display his talents and impress. Having scored 11 goals in qualifying and averaging better than a goal every two games in international football, the former Paris Saint-Germain man knows how to produce when it matters most. Not many will fancy his Sweden side to progress from a tough group with Italy and Belgium but even if Zlatan is only in the tournament for a few games, he will still excite fans across the continent.
Vital Stats
Age: 34
Height: 1.95cm
Club: Unattached
Previous Clubs: Malmo, Ajax, Juventus, Inter, Barcelona, AC Milan, PSG
International Appearances: 112 (62 goals)
Robert Lewandowski (Poland)
Since moving from Borussia Dortmund to Bayern Munich, Robert Lewandowski has established himself as one of the best strikers in the world. During his two seasons in Bavaria, the Polish forward has scored an incredible 66 goals. Yet Lewandowski has in the past failed to produce in major tournaments, notably at Euro 2012 when Poland were joint hosts. Needing a strong tournament to cement his place as one of the best in Europe, plenty of eyes will be on Lewandowski.
Five goalkeepers to watch at Euro 2016
Vital Stats
Age: 27
Height: 1.84cm
Club: Bayern Munich
Previous Clubs: Znicz Pruszkow, Lech Poznan, Borussia Dortmund
International Appearances: 75 (34 goals)
Harry Kane (England)
Despite only making his international debut a little over a year ago, Harry Kane has eased into the international scene like he did at club level. Scoring a remarkable 64 goals in 127 appearances for Tottenham Hotspur as well as being a crucial part to their title tilt, Kane is the form striker in England after being crowned top scorer in the Premier League last season. Although not the quickest or the most imposing, Kane is a natural finisher and will take any chances that come his way in France.
Vital Stats
Age: 22
Height: 1.88cm
Club: Tottenham Hotspur
Previous Clubs: Leyton Orient (loan), Millwall (loan), Norwich City (loan), Leicester City (loan)
International Appearances: 11 (5 goals)
Romelu Lukaku (Belgium)
With many tipping this to be the tournament where Belgium’s golden generation come of age, their star striker Romelu Lukaku will be crucial. The powerful forward endured a disappointing season with Everton but on a personal level it is now 45 goals in two seasons after his big money move to Merseyside. Like most of the Belgium team, Lukaku disappointed in Brazil two years ago, scoring just one goal. Now more experienced, Lukaku could well fire Belgium to a maiden major title.
Vital Stats
Age: 23
Height: 1.91cm
Club: Everton
Previous Clubs: Anderlecht, Chelsea, West Bromwich Albion (loan)
International Appearances: 44 (13 goals)
Alvaro Morata (Spain)
With just eight caps to his name, Alvaro Morata is inexperienced on the international stage. Yet the former Real Madrid man has proved during his time at Juventus that he is one for the big occasion. He scored in five consecutive Champions League games including in the final last season as well as the winner in the recent Coppa Italia final against AC Milan. Morata has been linked with a move away from Italy, possibly to Arsenal or back to Real Madrid, so many eyes will be on the youngster to see if he can make an impact for his country as Spain look for a trio of European triumphs.
Vital Stats
Age: 23
Height: 1.89cm
Club: Juventus
Previous Clubs: Real Madrid
International Appearances: 8 (1 goal)
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