England hit top five in Fifa rankings for first time since 2011 as Belgium claim top spot

England have risen to their highest placing in the Fifa world rankings since 1997 after leapfrogging Uruguay to move into fifth.

A famous 3-2 victory over Spain in Seville and a creditable 0-0 draw away to Croatia have propelled Gareth Southgate’s men into the top five in the world, heights they previously reached in 2011 and 2006.

Not since 1997 were they higher, when Glenn Hoddle’s side were ranked the fourth best team in the world.

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Belgium have claimed top spot for their own having previously been tied with world champions France, who sit just one point behind Roberto Martinez’s side.

Brazil and Croatia round out the top five.

Wales are the next highest ranked of the home nations after England at 18th, one place ahead of Italy. Northern Ireland, who lost to Austria and Bosnia in the Nations League, slip six places to 34th and one spot behind the Republic of Ireland. Scotland are ranked 40th.

Gibraltar, who won the first competitive matches in their history against Armenia and Liechtenstein, are the highest risers in October’s rankings, climbing eight places to 190th.