World Cup Golden Boot Update – Kane climbs to the head the line

ENGLAND spearhead Harry Kane is the $2.80 favourite at Sportsbet to claim the 2018 World Cup Golden Boot after registering a hat-trick in England’s 6-1 rout of Panama on Sunday night.

The Tottenham front man stands alone at on five goals ahead of former favourite Cristiano Ronaldo ($6 at Ladbrokes) and Belgium’s Romelu Lukaku ($5), who are locked on four goals each.

Ronaldo had the chance to join Kane on five goals but failed to convert from the spot in Portugal’s shock 1-1 draw with Iran on Monday night.

With the group stage now complete for Portugal, all World Cup Golden Boot betting eyes will be on England and Belgium’s match up. Unfortunately for Kane backers, his spot in the side is not assured heading into Friday’s Group G clash.

Both teams have already secured their positions in the knockout phase of the tournament, but if the rest of the group stages play out as they should, finishing second in Group G will be the far more advantageous route.

PLAYER	BET TYPE	CROWNBET ODDS*
Harry Kane	Golden Boot Winner	$2.80

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*ODDS CORRECT AT TIME OF PUBLICATION

Winning Group G would likely pair England with Senegal, with Brazil the next team in line. Finishing second in the group would see the Three Lions not face a recognised favourite of the tournament until a projected semi-final match up with Spain.

England manager Gareth Southgate acknowledged it may be in England’s best interests to rest Kane heading into Friday’s match.

“Obviously it will be very important for Harry [to go for the Golden Boot],” Southgate said.

“He’s sitting proudly at the top. He’s gone ahead of some major names in English football history in terms of World Cup goals and that should make him incredibly proud. But he also knows the team is the most important thing and we have to make decisions that are right for the team.

“I always have to balance what’s right for the squad.”

Harry Kane is at $2.30 via Neds to score at anytime against Belgium on Friday, 4am at Kaliningrad Stadium.