The Republic of Ireland's positive start to the World Cup qualifying campaign under Giovanni Trapattoni has seen the side climb a further two places in the latest Fifa world rankings. Ireland, unbeaten in Group Eight, are now up to 36th in the standings.
Of the six games for which Trapattoni has been in charge to date, Ireland have won three and drawn three and currently sit in second place in the pool with seven points from a possible nine, three behind world champions Italy, who have played a match more.
European champions Spain remain top thanks to their 100 per cent record in Group Five, while Germany climb to second at the expense of Italy.
England have returned to the top 10 having won all four of their matches in qualifying Group Six, and as a result climb four places up the rankings to move level with Portugal in joint 10th.
Holland, Brazil, Argentina, Croatia, Russia and Czech Republic complete the top 10.
Scotland drop seven places to 33rd while Northern Ireland also slide seven places to 42nd and Wales slip one to sit 62nd.
Fifa rankings(previous position in brackets):
1. (1) Spain
2. (3) Germany
3. (2) Italy
4. (5) Netherlands
5. (4) Brazil
6. (7) Argentina
7. (6) Croatia
8. (9) Russia
9. (8) Czech Republic
10= (10) Portugal
10= (14) England
12. (11) France
13. (13) Turkey
14. (12) Cameroon
15. (16) Israel
16. (15) Bulgaria
17. (22) Paraguay
18. (17) Greece
19. (18) Romania
20. (19) Ukraine
Selected Others:
33. (26) Scotland
36. (38) Republic of Ireland
42. (35) Northern Ireland
62. (61) Wales
