The Republic of Ireland remain in 14th place in the latest FIFA world rankings despite their recent defeats. Ireland have been defeated by both the 23rd ranked Russia and Switzerland (45th) in their Group 10 qualifying games, which has heaped pressure on Irish manager Mick McCarthy, but despite those defeats their placing is unaltered.
England and Holland are the big movers in the standings, with England climbing three places to sixth and Holland also up three places to 12th.
Elsewhere Northern Ireland remain in 98th spot, Wales' recent victory over Italy has seen them move up 15 places to 61st, while Scotland are up eight places and are now 55th in the table. Brazil remain top of the pile, with France in second and Spain close on their heels in third place.
Filed by Rob Wright
