England climb to fourth in FIFA world rankings

99

England have climbed one place to fourth in FIFA’s latest world rankings after their crushing Euro 2020 qualifying victories over the Czech Republic and Montenegro.


Gareth Southgate’s men are headed only by Belgium, France and Brazil after leapfrogging Croatia, the side who ended their World Cup dream at the semi-final stage in Russia last summer.

England opened their Group A campaign with a 5-0 rout of the Czechs at Wembley before coming from behind to win 5-1 in Podgorica last month as their rich vein of form continued.

Euro 2016 semi-finalists Wales remain in 19th place following their 1-0 home win over Slovakia.

Mick McCarthy’s Republic of Ireland return to the top 30 following a five-place improvement as a result of back-to-back qualifying victories over Gibraltar and Georgia in the new manager’s first games back at the helm.

They are tied in 29th place with Serbia and Venezuela, who beat 11th-placed Argentina 3-1 during the last international break.

Northern Ireland, who top Group C following home wins against Estonia and Belarus, sit in 33rd following a leap of three positions.

However, Scotland slipped four places to 44th, immediately behind Australia, Nigeria and Greece, after their 3-0 humbling in Kazakhstan and a 2-0 win in San Marino.

Southgate meanwhile collected his OBE on Thursday and dedicated the honour to the England team and said his squad ‘continues to improve.’

The Three Lions boss said taking the job gave him a fresh perspective on what the side means to the country after he led England to their first World Cup semi-final since 1990.


The 48-year-old collected the OBE from the Prince of Wales at Buckingham Palace where the pair spoke briefly about efforts to tackle knife crime after a meeting in December.

Southgate said: “It’s a very proud moment. I think I’ve been involved in football for 30 years so part of me is proud for everybody that helped me through that whole period and the clubs I served, and the coaches and teachers that helped me.

“Of course I’m aware that the recognition is as much for last summer and the work with the team, so I’m very grateful to all of the players and all the support team that work with me, because I’m here representing them, really.”

England reached their first World Cup semi-final in nearly three decades at the 2018 tournament in Russia.

The progress before their elimination sparked nationwide excitement.

Asked if he expected to receive an honour when he took on the job, Southgate said: “No, I think it’s a privilege to have the role and you hope to improve the team and make a difference, and we are getting better.”