The latest FIFA world rankings make for good reading for all teams in Group E at the European Championships.
Ireland have finally broken into the top 20, and we now occupy 29th position, one better than our last ranking in 30th spot.
Northern Ireland is one ahead of us still in 28th, which should give them a major confidence boost ahead of this summer’s action.
There is also a shift for both Sweden and Italy, who also move up one spot each. Italy is now ranked 14th, as they leapfrog the Netherlands, who won’t of course be at this year’s Championships.
Sweden is also on the move, as they now occupy 34th position.
Of course Belgium is going nowhere and remain as the world’s best team at number one.
Top of the heap. King of the hill. A-number-one.
England and Wales are also doing well in the rankings, which may change after various friendly games coming up later this month.
England – 9th; Wales – 17th; N.Ireland – 28th & Republic of Ireland – 29th.
— Celtic Star Books (@celticstarpod) March 3, 2016
Although it’s not great news for Scotland, again.
Scotland up to 45th in the FIFA World Rankings – sandwiched between Finland and Iran. Lowest ranked of all the home nations.
— Celtic Star Books (@celticstarpod) March 3, 2016
