England get rankings boost

England have moved up one place to sixth in the latest FIFA world rankings, while Scotland and Wales are also upwardly mobile.

England, Scotland and Wales all move up rankings

England have moved up one place to sixth in the latest FIFA world rankings, while Scotland and Wales are also upwardly mobile. Recent friendly wins over Norway and Belgium have helped Roy Hodgson's side climb above Portugal, who slip five places to 10th after a goalless draw against FYR Macedonia and a 3-1 defeat to Turkey in their Euro 2012 warm-up matches. World and European champions Spain remain in first spot, with 2010 World Cup semi-finalists Uruguay leapfrogging Germany into second place. The Netherlands and Brazil complete the top five. The Republic of Ireland, who are preparing for their first major tournament in a decade, are unchanged in 18th place. Scotland move up seven positions to 41st despite a 5-1 defeat against the USA last month. Wales also lost last time out against Mexico but still move up three places to 38th. Northern Ireland, who were crushed 6-0 by the Netherlands last week, were the only home nation to fall in the rankings, sinking three places to 103rd.