England fall in Fifa rankings

Updated 16.08 Wed Apr 18 2007
Keywords: Steve McClaren, Italy, Fifa rankings, Northern Ireland, Wales, Ireland, Scotland, England, football, sport

England have slipped two places to eighth in Fifa's latest world rankings after Steve McClaren's men were held to a 0-0 draw in their Euro 2008 qualifier in Israel.

Holland and Portugal have both leapfrogged England, who have much work to do if they are to make inroads into Croatia's advantage at the top of Group E and book their place in next summer's European Championship finals in Switzerland and Austria.

Holland and Portugal have both leapfrogged England in the fifa rankings while Northern Ireland have equalled their best-ever world ranking of 33rd

Northern Ireland, meanwhile, have equalled their best-ever world ranking of 33rd after Lawrie Sanchez's side went top of their qualifying group with back-to-back wins over Liechtenstein and Sweden.

Scotland, however, fell three places to 19th after their 2-0 defeat in their qualifier in Italy while the Republic of Ireland's back-to-back wins over Wales and Slovakia have seen Steve Staunton's men rocket up 20 places to 31st.

And Wales have risen three places to 74th after ending their winless run at home to San Marino last month.

Meanwhile, world champions Italy have reclaimed top spot from Argentina following their win over the Scots while Brazil remain third ahead of France and Germany.

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