Wayne Rooney ended his England goal drought against Switzerland

England's back-to-back wins in their opening Euro 2012 qualifiers have resulted in them moving up one place to sixth in the Fifa world rankings.

Spain remain in top spot, ahead of the Netherlands, with Germany third, Brazil fourth and Argentina staying in fifth.

The Republic of Ireland have risen three places to 33rd, with Northern Ireland jumping up 14 places to 45th, Scotland 47th and Wales 84th.

France's recent poor form has dropped them to an all-time low of 27th.

Following their disastrous World Cup campaign, new coach Laurent Blanc's side lost their opening Euro 2012 qualifier at home to Belarus, although they then beat Bosnia.

606: DEBATE Do you read much into Fifa rankings? JulianS

England also had a poor World Cup campaign in South Africa this summer but have enjoyed a resurgence in the Euro 2012 qualifiers.

Fabio Capello's side beat Bulgaria 4-0 and Switzerland 3-1 earlier this month.

Fifa updated the standings, which take in results over a four-year cycle, using 159 international matches played over five weeks.

Euro 2012 and 2012 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers carried the most points.

Fifa world rankings:

1 Spain
2 Netherlands
3 Germany
4 Brazil
5 Argentina
6 England
7 Uruguay
8 Portugal
9 Egypt
10 Chile

Selected others:

33 Republic of Ireland
45 Northern Ireland
47 Scotland
84 Wales

E-mail this to a friend

Printable version