England up to eighth in rankings
Fabio Capello has guided England from 15th to eighth in the Fifa rankings in less than six months
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Wednesday, 17, Dec 2008 10:40
England have moved up two places to eighth in the latest Fifa world rankings following their impressive 2-1 friendly win over Germany in November.
Fabio Capello's side largely dominated the match in Berlin last month, with John Terry's late header giving the visitors a deserved victory.
That win over the world number two team moved England above Russia and Turkey into eighth - a total rise of seven spots in the rankings since the team hit a low of 15th after Euro 2008, a tournament they failed to qualify for.
Spain remain the world's top-ranked team following their victory in the summer competition in Austria and Switzerland, with Germany staying in second.
The Netherlands leapfrogged world champions Italy to take third place with Brazil rounding out the top five.
The other home nations fared less well in the new rankings list.
Scotland are unchanged in 33rd following their 1-0 home defeat to Diego Maradona's Argentina in his first game in charge, while the Republic of Ireland are down two spots to 38th after losing 3-2 at home to Poland.
Northern Ireland dropped ten places to 52nd following their 2-0 home reverse against Hungary, but Wales managed to rise two places to 60th thanks to their 1-0 win in Denmark.
Full Fifa rankings, December 17th:
1- Spain
2- Germany
3- Netherlands
4- Italy
5- Brazil
6- Argentina
7- Croatia
8- England
9- Russia
10- Turkey
- - - - - - - - - - - - -
33- Scotland
38- Republic of Ireland
52- Northern Ireland
60- Wales