Republic of Ireland fall in FIFA world rankings

The Republic of Ireland have dropped one place in the FIFA world rankings, despite Giovanni Trappatoni's steady start to his reign as manager.

The Republic had a recent 1-0 win over Colombia which followed a 1-1 draw with Serbia at Croke Park a few days earlier.

England have returned to the top 10, climbing two places to ninth after last week’s victories over the USA and Trinidad and Tobago.

Scotland have dropped two places to 17th while Northern Ireland are up two in 32nd and Wales are down one in 53rd.

Argentina have extended their lead over Brazil at the top of the rankings while world champions Italy, in third, will be the highest-ranked team at the European Championships.