Belgium tops FIFA rankings as England hits top five

England is into the top five of the FIFA world rankings, where Belgium has edged ahead of world champion France at the summit.

Published : Oct 25, 2018 18:56 IST

Belgium players celebrate with their World Cup medals

Belgium has edged ahead of world champion France at the top of FIFA's world rankings.

Roberto Martinez's side was beaten 1-0 by Didier Deschamps men in the semifinals of the 2018 World Cup but pulled alongside them as the joint-top ranked team according to world football's governing body last month.

Now, following a 2-1 win over Switzerland in the Nations League and a 1-1 friendly draw with neighbour Netherlands, the Red Devils have edged ahead of Les Bleus on 1733 ranking points to 1732.

France drew 2-2 with Iceland in a friendly and beat Germany 2-1 – matching Belgium's return from the October international break but against opponents ranked lower by FIFA.

England is up to fifth after its impressive 3-2 win against Spain, which remains ninth, while Netherlands' 3-0 victory over Germany lifted it two places to 15th.

That is directly below an out-of-sorts Die Mannschaft, who fall two spots to 14th.

Minnow Gibraltar is the biggest mover – up eight places to 190th after its first competitive wins over Armenia and Lichtenstein.