Trap’s men move closer to tumbling Les Bleus

Ireland have climbed three spots to 33rd place in the latest FIFA rankings and are just six places behind France who have slipped to 27th place, their lowest position since their introduction in 1993.

Les Bleus have dropped six places on the back of a dismal World Cup showing in South Africa and defeat to Belarus in their opening European Championship qualifier.

World champions Spain have remained at the top of the rankings ahead of Holland in second.

Germany have moved up to third, ahead of Brazil, and England up to sixth, one place ahead of Uruguay, following wins in their opening qualifiers for Euro 2012 against Bulgaria and Switzerland.

Argentina are one place ahead of Fabio Capello’s men in fifth.