England and Scotland were rewarded for positive results
in the recent Euro 2008 qualifiers after Steve McClaren's side returned
to the top 10 of the FIFA rankings and Alex McLeish's men equalled the
best position in their history.
Wins over Israel and Russia saw England up to ninth, putting them back
in the top 10 for the first time since June.
They also edge ahead of Group E rivals Croatia who have dropped four places
to 10th despite topping their qualifying table.
Scotland, meanwhile, were rewarded for their famous victory over France
in Paris - as well as a more regulation win against Lithuania - with a
nine-place surge to 14th, a place they last held in May.
World champions Italy lead the standings after jumping two places after
a victory over Ukraine and a draw with France.
They replace Brazil, who fall to third behind fellow Copa America finalists
Argentina.
The Republic of Ireland climb five spots to 32nd despite suffering disappointment
in their own Euro 2008 qualifiers and are now ahead of Northern Ireland
who have slumped nine positions to 36th.
Wales, meanwhile, have a significant leap of 21 places as a reward for
ending the international break on a high with a 5-2 win at Slovakia.
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19/09/07
Russian ladies dream about happy marriage.
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