Sven-Goran Eriksson’s side have climbed from 11th to joint ninth on the latest list, which could help their seeding for the finals in Germany next year.

Scotland are among the biggest movers, improving from 74th to 62nd on the back of away victories over Austria and Slovenia, although the home defeat to Belarus ensured they would not make the 2006 finals.

Wales are up nine places to 73rd after their belated first wins of the qualifying campaign against Northern Ireland and Azerbaijan.

Northern Ireland drop three places to 104th.

Brazil and Holland retain the top two places with the Czech Republic overtaking Argentina to move into third.