The Republic of Ireland have fallen three places to 15th in the latest Fifa rankings after Brian Kerr's side only managed a 0-0 draw with Israel in their Group Four World Cup qualifying clash in Tel Aviv last month.
The crushing 4-0 defeat by England meant Northern Ireland fell even further from the top 100, slipping two spots to 113th.
England have moved two places up to sixth following last month's victories over Northern Ireland and Azerbaijan. Brazil continue to top the list with the Czech Republic replacing France in second to become Europe's highest-ranking team.
Wales drop two places to 73rd after two defeats by Austria and they have now been overtaken by Zambia. Scotland jumped two places despite their 2-0 defeat by Italy.
No Sun shine for Rooney
Wayne Rooney is suing the Sun for libel over an article alleging that he slapped his fiancee Coleen McLoughlin in a nightclub - a claim both deny.
Rooney has hired the media law firm Schillings, which has told the Sun that it is beginning legal proceedings. It also contacted other media organisations to tell them the allegations were false.
According to a source close to the Manchester United striker, the couple believed they had no recourse other than to sue the Sun, which they claim has been running a campaign against Rooney.
"Wayne has been subject to a campaign by the Sun and a lot of it has been totally untrue," said the source. "(Sun editor) Rebekah Wade has made it clear that Wayne is not a proper role model and is looking for a scalp. The campaign against him has become very personal."
Last month the Sun ran a story alleging that Rooney had punched a student in a bar. The man in question later withdrew a police complaint about the incident.
Long's time coming
Southampton striker Leon Best has withdrawn from the Republic of Ireland squad for the up-coming Uefa Under-19 Championships second qualifying phase in Serbia and Montenegro. Called into the squad as his replacement is Cork City's Shane Long who was capped in the Republic of Ireland under-19's 2-0 away victory against Italy, earlier this year.
In Brief . . .
Blackburn defender Andy Todd yesterday officially denied using violent conduct against Arsenal's Robin van Persie in Saturday's FA Cup semi-final. . . Real Madrid defender Jonathan Woodgate will not make a full recovery from the thigh injury that has marred his time in Spain until the start of next season . . . Atletico Madrid have escaped serious punishment for the third successive time after being handed a €600 fine for racist incidents during last Saturday's home game against Espanyol when bananas were thrown at Espanyol's goalkeeper Carlos Kameni . . . Scottish side Hearts have handed a trial to 22-year-old Liverpool defender Jon Otsemobor.
