PARIS: Euro 2020 finalists England pushed world champions and cross-Channel rivals France out of the top three in world football body FIFA’s latest men’s rankings published on Thursday.

Belgium and Brazil retain first and second spots respectively, while England make their first appearance on the podium in nine years on the back of two wins and a draw in recent 2022 World Cup qualifiers.

France paid the price for two draws and a win to go fourth.

Third place equals England’s highest ranking in 2012. Gareth Southgate’s side lost on penalties to Italy in the Euro 2020 final at Wembley in July and were World Cup semi-finalists in Russia in 2018.

France went out of Euro 2020 in the round of 16.

European champions Italy, on a record unbeaten international run of 37 matches, are fifth with Copa America winners Argentina sixth.

In the women’s rankings, Sweden moved up to second behind world champions the United States with Germany dropping to third.

England, under new management with Sarina Wiegman replacing Phil Neville, are eighth — their lowest since 2010.

Published in Dawn, September 17th, 2021