The quarter finals for this summer’s European Championships get underway on Thursday, with Germany’s Mario Gomez top of the goal scoring chart, with three goals in three group games.

That record is equalled by Mario Mandzukic and Alan Dzagoev of Croatia and Russia respectively, though of course both nations failed to make the last eight of the tournament.

With Germany having arguably the most favourable quarter final opponents, it is no surprise that Gomez is the firm favourite to win the golden boot, with Stan James offering the best odds of 2.63 (13/8).

Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo, who scored both of his tournament goals so far in his sides come-from-behind win over the Netherlands, is second favourite to pick up the accolade at 5.0 (4/1) with William Hill.

After failing to make a real impact in Portugal’s opening two games, the Real Madrid forward made that final group game his own, and could at last prove wrong those who criticise his ability to perform at the highest level internationally.

Spanish due Fernando Torres and Cesc Fabregas are next on the list, with both having scored two goals in the group stage.

Torres, who is a 7.0 (6/1) shot with 888 Sport, has shown glimpse of the form he began to produce at the tail end of a difficult domestic season with European Champions Chelsea, whilst Barcelona’s Fabregas, who is generously priced at 21.0 (20/1) with William Hill, has often been Spain’s most forward thinking player, as coach Vincente Del Bosque has opted to adapt a false number nine as opposed to an out an out striker.

England’s Wayne Rooney, who scored in his Euro 2012 bow against Ukraine on Tuesday, is 29.0 (28/1) with 888 Sport.

The Manchester United striker, who was in the Euro 2004 team of the tournament, is now just one short of joining England legends Nat Lofthouse, Tom Finney and Alan Shearer on thirty international goals.

Lukas Podoloski of Germany, and Italian due Antonio Di Natale are also in the running with a goal each so far, and are all around the 51.0 (50/1) mark, whilst Vaclav Pilar and Petr Jiracek of Czech Republic are 101.0 (100/1) outsiders despite having both scored twice in the group stage.