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Argentina top FIFA's world ranking while England drop one place

Argentina's Lionel Messi (C) is marked by Brazil's Gabriel Jesus during their 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifier in Belo Horizonte, 10 November 2016
Image: Argentina top the latest FIFA rankings ahead of Brazil

Argentina remain No 1 in FIFA's latest world ranking list, while England have dropped one spot to 14th from last month.

Reigning World Cup champions Germany are the highest European nation in the list at No 3, while the best-placed home country is Wales in 12th spot.

The ranking is based on international matches played over a four-year cycle, with more recent results carrying a greater weight than older ones.

Argentina, who lost to Germany in the World Cup final in 2014, as well successive Copa America finals to Chile have 1,644 points - some 110 more than second ranked Brazil.

England caretaker manager Gareth Southgate during a press conference at St George's Park, Burton.
Image: Gareth Southgate's England team have dropped one place to No 14 in the latest FIFA ranking list

Chile, winner of the last two Copa America tournaments, are fourth, with Belgium in fifth.

Reigning European champions Portugal are eighth, two places behind France who they beat in last year's final, while Poland has risen to its best-ever ranking and is currently tied at No 12 alongside Wales.

Italy, somewhat surprisingly, are below England with the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland in 24th and 35th respectively. Scotland are 67th, one place below Benin.

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Top 20

(Last month's rankings in parentheses)

1 Argentina (1)

2 Brazil (2)

3 Germany (3)

4 Chile (4)

5 Belgium (5)

6 France (6)

7 Colombia (7)

8 Portugal (8)

9 Uruguay (9)

10 Spain (10)

11 Switzerland (11)

12= Poland (14)

12= Wales (12)

14 England (13)

15 Italy (15)

16 Croatia (16)

17 Mexico (17)

18 Peru (18)

19 Costa Rica (19)

20 Egypt (23)

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