PARIS: Confederations Cup champions Brazil climbed up 13 places to ninth in the latest FIFA world rankings released yesterday, while England continued their slide as they dropped down to 15th.
Despite a heavy defeat against hosts Brazil, who secured a record third straight Confederations Cup title, in Sunday’s final, Spain continue to lead the way atop the rankings ahead of Germany and Colombia, with the South American nation moving into the top three for the first time after rising four spots.
Argentina dropped one place to fourth, but the biggest losers inside the top 10 were England as Roy Hodgson’s side fell six places after consecutive draws against Montenegro, the Republic of Ireland and Brazil.
England’s ranking is their lowest since failing to qualify for the 2008 European Championship and could severely harm their World Cup seeding hopes should they qualify for next year’s tournament in Brazil.
Top-10 rankings as of July 4:
1. Spain
2. Germany
3. Colombia (+4 places)
4. Argentina (-1)
5. Netherlands
6. Italy (+2)
7. Portugal (-1)
8. Croatia (-4)
9. Brazil (+13)
10. Belgium (+2)
REUTERS
