England have moved ahead of France and up to seventh in the latest FIFA world rankings. Spain continued to lead ahead of Brazil and Holland, while Portugal climbed two places to fourth despite needing a play-off to qualify for the World Cup.

World champions Italy and Germany have dropped one place each to fifth and sixth, Croatia (10th), who failed to qualify for the World Cup, are back in the top 10 after a two-month absence.

Pim Verbeek's Australia (19th) have leapt four places into the top 20 after their 1-0 victory over Indonesia during AFC Asian Cup 2011 qualifying.

Scotland have moved up four places to 41st position but the Republic of Ireland are down four places to 44th.

Northern Ireland are on the brink of dropping out of the top 50 after having fallen 11 places to 50th while Wales are currently in 77th position below the likes of Panama, Uganda and El Salvador.

Top Rankings (last month's positions in brackets)

1. (1) Spain

2. (2) Brazil

3. (3) Netherlands

4. (6) Portugal

5. (4) Italy

6. (5) Germany

7. (8) England

8. (7) France

9. (9) Argentina

10. (11) Croatia

11. (10) Greece

12. (12) Russia

13. (14) Chile

14. (17) Egypt

15. (13) Serbia

16. (18) United States

17. (15) Mexico

18. (19) Uruguay

19. (23) Australia

= 20. (20) Cameroon

= 20. (15) Switzerland