Surprise rise for England World Cup flops in latest world rankings
Published:Despite their woeful World Cup, England have climbed one place to seventh in the latest FIFA world rankings.
World Cup winners Spain are top of the pile, having overtaken Brazil, who drop to third. Holland (7/1 to win Euro 2012) are sandwiched between them in second place following their run to the final in South Africa.
After a string of blistering World Cup performances, Germany move up to fourth place, and they look increasingly like a good side to back for Euro 2012 at 6/1.
South American sides Uruguay and Paraguay are the most notable climbers, shooting up 10 and 15 places respectively.
Uruguay’s sixth place is their highest since the rankings were introduced, and with Chile up to 10th, there are now four South American sides in the top 10.
France’s shambolic showing at the World Cup sees them plummet from ninth to 21st, a grim omen for their Euro 2012 campaign, which they are 12/1 to end as champions.
Their fellow former world champions Italy are another casualty, falling to 11th after a dismal group stage exit in South Africa. They are 9/1 to win Euro 2012.
The Republic of Ireland have climbed five places to 36th and Scotland up two places to to 41st, while Northern Ireland have dropped to 59th.
Wales have slipped seven places to 84, which makes them the lowest-ranked team in their Euro 2012 qualifying group.
Group G also includes England, and Wales face an uphill task in qualifying as group winners – they are 16/1 to do so.
Who do you think will triumph at Euro 2012? Spain are the 4/1 favourites. See the full Euro 2012 market.
