Player of the Tournament betting: England v Italy guide
This guide expands on individual markets and player awards ahead of the Euro final between England and Italy, with a focus on sensible betting considerations and statistical context.
How to assess value in player of tournament markets
Assessing value requires combining form, minutes played and likely match involvement rather than simply following headline odds, while keeping stakes modest and decisions evidence-led.
As both the Three Lions and the Azzurri are too hard to separate in the betting, there is little value in placing either side to win the final, so instead, the individual markets could make for more fruitful gains.
Not least the battle for Player of the Tournament, with both England and Italy with prime contenders in the running.
For England, a ‘Summer of Sterling’ has been the catalyst for the hosts’ reaching their first major tournament final in 55 years, and Raheem Sterling remains the bookies’ choice to win the prize. With three goals and two assists to this point, Sterling is 2/1 currently with SBK, whilst Betfair, PaddyPower and William Hill are also offering 7/4 on the Manchester City star.
Harry Kane however, cannot yet be overlooked after a strong end to the competition. Having scored in every game during the knockout stages, the Three Lions’ skipper needs just one goal to tie Cristiano Ronaldo and Patrik Schick for the Golden Boot, whilst a brace against the Italians will surely see him taking the award outright.
Should that occur, Kane will be close to nailed-on for the Euro’s star. Holding a value of 5/1 with SBK and 15/4 with MansionBet, Kane may be delivering double joy for his backers.
Euro 2020 has arguably been the tournament of the full-back. But., with perhaps two of the summer’s star turns in Denmark’s Joakim Maehle now eliminated, and Leonardo Spinazzola also injured for Italy, could Luke Shaw yet steal in? The highest-scoring defender in UEFA’s official Fantasy game, Shaw’s four clean sheets and three assists leave only Sterling with more points, at 37, to his 35.
If we consider Shaw’s contribution statistically alone, and in what may be a tight contest versus Italy, an England win with a goal provided by the Manchester United man might yet leave Shaw in the box seat.
In truth then, a small punt at 25/1 with BetVictor, or 20/1 with MansionBet, is quite appealing.
If we turn to the men in blue, Federico Chiesa has added to his many admirers during the tournament and having scored twice in Italy’s two outings at Wembley, Chiesa is a man England will need to watch like a hawk.
So too should punters this weekend.
If a price of 10/1 with SkyBet and Bet365 may seem a little too much a stretch for him to seal the competition’s best player though, perhaps banking on the Juventus forward to make it three in three in north London, is a more likely scenario. With that in mind, SkyBet’s 5/1 anytime value on Chiesa to net, might cushion the blow should football not come home this Sunday evening.
If Italy do beat England this weekend under the Wembley arch, the other man that could grab the prize is Jorginho. Having been Roberto Mancini’s lynchpin in midfield, the Chelsea midfielder has been involved for his adopted nation this tournament, for all but 15 minutes.
If N’Golo Kante is the French dynamo, Jorginho is the cog that makes Italy tick, and is the player the bookies feel is currently Italy’s best shot at scooping the Euro’s best player. At an eyebrow-raising 9/1 with SkyBet, PaddyPower and Betfred, Jorginho might yet be a surprise winner.
England candidates: Sterling, Kane and Shaw analysed
Raheem Sterling’s attacking statistics — goals, assists and progressive runs — make him the bookmaker favourite, but his nomination relies on finishing the tournament fit and influential in the final; monitor team news closely before committing a stake.
Harry Kane’s late scoring surge increases his chance of landing both the Golden Boot and the Player of the Tournament award, while Luke Shaw’s defensive returns plus attacking assists offer a contrasting, lower-profile route to the same prize.
Italy candidates: Chiesa, Jorginho and midfield influence
Federico Chiesa’s pace and the heading threat he provides in set-piece situations mean he is a realistic anytime scorer in the final, which would improve his Player of the Tournament chances without requiring a tournament-high goal tally.
Jorginho’s control of Italy’s tempo and near-total minutes played underline why he is on many bookmakers’ lists; his award case is built on influence rather than flashy moments, and that appeals to markets that weight steady contributions.
Tactical factors that affect player award chances in finals
Finals often reduce space and create tighter, more tactical battles; players who deliver decisive actions such as match-winning goals, late assists or defensive interventions typically gain extra recognition from award voters and markets alike.
Substitutes who change the game can also leapfrog starters in award consideration, so check likely rotations and bench options that could produce a late influential performance with outsized odds value.
Betting strategies: market selection and stake plans
Focus on markets where you can combine probability with value, such as anytime scorer, assists market or shortlists for Player of the Tournament, and avoid staking large sums purely on sentiment or national bias.
Use small, evidence-based stakes and ideally spread bets across correlated markets — for example a modest wager on an anytime scorer combined with a small each-way on Player of the Tournament — while keeping gambling limits in place.
How match outcome shifts Player of Tournament odds
The match result will materially alter award markets immediately, with winners’ key contributors typically shortening and those on the losing side lengthening, so consider how a single match can swing long-term markets before locking in bets.
Checking bookmaker prices: shop around for best odds
Line shopping remains essential for player markets where small price differences matter, so compare the odds across a selection of regulated UK bookmakers to find the best return for any chosen player market.
Responsible gambling reminders and age restrictions
Gambling is for people aged 18 and over only; never bet more than you can afford to lose and seek help if gambling causes harm or stress.
If you choose to place wagers, consider using bookmaker tools such as deposit limits, cooling-off periods and self-exclusion to manage activity responsibly.
Using statistics and match context to guide selections
Combine expected goals (xG), minutes played, set-piece involvement and recent form to build a short list of players whose probability of decisive contributions is higher than the odds imply.
Also account for likely match scenarios — for example whether a team will sit back or press high — as this affects which players will have the best chance to influence the final and award voting.
Bankroll guidance and long-term betting discipline
Decide a staking plan in advance based on a fixed percentage of a defined bankroll, and avoid chasing losses after emotional reactions to the game or media narratives.
Keep records of bets and returns to assess long-term performance, and review strategies after major fixtures to learn rather than escalate stakes.
You can compare current bookmaker free bets and offers on our free bets page.
Frequently asked questions about Player of Tournament betting
How does Player of the Tournament betting work and pay out?
Markets name a single player to win the award and settle after organisers announce the official winner, with payouts following the bookmaker’s winning settlement rules; 18+ only, gamble responsibly.
Can an injured player still win the award after missing the final?
Yes, if the award criteria and voting consider tournament contributions up to the point of injury, an absent player can still be eligible, but check bookmaker terms and event rules before betting.
Are anytime scorer bets a good alternative to Player of Tournament bets?
Anytime scorer markets can offer clearer value for specific match outcomes as they focus on immediate events, but they are separate from tournament awards and should be assessed on match likelihoods.
Should I bet on a favourite or seek long-shot value in awards markets?
Favourites may be more likely to win but offer low returns; long-shots can be attractive if backed by valid reasons such as form or role, so balance probability and value within your staking plan.
Do bookmakers void Player of Tournament bets if match is postponed?
Settlement rules vary, but most bookmakers follow competition organisers for final decisions and may void or carry markets depending on delays; always read the specific bookmaker’s terms.
How can I keep gambling under control while placing football bets?
Set deposit and time limits, use self-exclusion if needed, stick to a pre-planned staking strategy and never treat betting as a way to solve financial problems; 18+ only and seek help if required.
