England up to ninth

England have moved up three places to ninth in the FIFA World Rankings following their two excellent wins over Israel and Russia.

The Three Lions put three goals past each of their opponents, without conceding, to take a giant step towards qualifying for next summer's European Championships.

Shaun Wright-Phillips gave England the perfect start against Israel before Michael Owen and Micah Richards put the finishing touches on a polished performance.

Owen was the leading light four days later as England comfortably beat Russia to move up to second in Group E.

The Newcastle man netted twice before half-time to take his England tally to 40 and even had time to lay on a late goal for Rio Ferdinand.

Italy are currently top of the world rankings, having displaced Brazil who drop down to third. Their South American rivals Argentina remain in second.

Scotland, following a wonderful win in Paris, jumped nine places to 14th while the Republic of Ireland are currently 32nd, a rise of four places.

Northern Ireland have paid for defeats to Latvia and Iceland by dropping nine places to 36th while there was better news for Wales who leapt 21 places to 53rd on the list.

FIFA World Rankings