England and Scotland on the up in FIFA rankings
England and Scotland were rewarded for positive results in the recent Euro 2008 qualifiers after Steve McClaren’s side returned to the top 10 of the FIFA rankings and Alex McLeish’s men equalled the best position in their history.
Wins over Israel and Russia saw England up to ninth, putting them back in the top 10 for the first time since June.
They also edge ahead of Group E rivals Croatia who have dropped four places to 10th despite topping their qualifying table.
Scotland, meanwhile, were rewarded for their famous victory over France in Paris – as well as a more regulation win against Lithuania – with a nine-place surge to 14th, a place they last held in May.
World champions Italy lead the standings after jumping two places after a victory over Ukraine and a draw with France.
They replace Brazil, who fall to third behind fellow Copa America finalists Argentina.
The Republic of Ireland climb five spots to 32nd despite suffering disappointment in their own Euro 2008 qualifiers and are now ahead of Northern Ireland who have slumped nine positions to 36th.
Wales, meanwhile, are 53rd due to a significant leap of 21 places after they ended the international break on a high with a 5-2 win at Slovakia.
