ENGLAND have climbed to FOURTH in FIFA's latest world rankings — despite their woeful showing at the World Cup.
Incredibly, Fabio Capello's team have moved above Brazil and Argentina, even though they only reached the first knockout stage in last summer's showpiece tournament.
The last time England were as high as fourth was in 1997, when they moved up as a result of a decent performance as hosts of Euro 96.
Spain continue to top the charts ahead of Holland — the team they beat in the World Cup final
Germany have moved up a place to third, while England's points total of 1,146 puts them 16 ahead of fifth-placed Brazil.
Italy, Portugal and Croatia are next in the list. Mexico have moved up 19 places to claim a place in the top 10, ahead of Argentina.
The Republic of Ireland have won their last two Euro 2012 qualifiers and that form has helped Giovanni Trapattoni's team climb three places to 31 in the standings..
Scotland and Northern Ireland are also on the up.
The Scots are now 61st as a result of a five-place leap with Nigel Worthington's side - one of the countries they moved above - one place behind them in 62nd.
But Wales' failure to pick up a single point in their four Euro 2012 qualifiers to date means they remain 114th in the rankings, level with the Faroe Islands.
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http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/sport/football/3666629/England-go-fourth-in-FIFA-world-rankings-ahead-of-Brazil.html#ixzz1QfNN5IHZ
