Ireland drop three places to 15th in rankings

THE Republic of Ireland have fallen three places to 15th in the latest FIFA world rankings after failing to beat Israel in their Group Four clash last month.

England have moved two places to sixth following last month’s World Cup qualifying victories. Sven-Goran Eriksson’s side have leap-frogged Spain and Mexico and sit behind fifth-placed Holland after 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.