Brazil and second-placed European Champions France enjoy a 100-point cushion ahead of the rest of the top sides in the world though the next few countries are all close together - just 20 points separating third-placed Spain from Germany in tenth.

England's 3-1 win over Croatia at Portman Road last week saw them swap places with the Germans, who went down 1-0 at home to Italy, who as a result climb three places to 11th.

Victory over Australia in their friendly international saw the Republic of Ireland jump two places to 13th, whilst Wales occupy 52nd spot, Scotland 59th and Northern Ireland 112th.

England were ranked 17th when Sven took over and have reached the heights of 6th (in October/November 2002) place during the Swede's time in office.

Since the rankings were introduced in 1993, England's all time low came in February 1996 when the Three Lions slipped to 27th in the world.

However, by December 1997, Glenn Hoddle took England to their highest-ever position of 4th after his side's sensastional qualification for France '98.

FIFA World Rankings - Top Ten 

Pos.

Club

Assoc.

1

Brazil

846

2

France

825

3

Spain

748

4

Holland

746

4

Mexico

746

6

Argentina

744

7

Turkey

739

8

England

733

9

USA

731

10

Germany

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