England  managed only one win and two draws during the group stages and then suffered a humiliating 4-1 World Cup exit at the hands of Germany  in the knockout round. But Fabio Capello's men have risen to seventh place in the rankings. World and European champions Spain top the rankings ahead of Holland, Brazil, Germany, Argentina  and Uruguay.

Portugal, who lost to eventual winners Spain in the knockout round, have dropped five places to eighth. Italy, world champions in 2006, have dropped six places to 11th. Egypt are ninth and the top 10 is completed by Chile. The Republic of Ireland are up five places to 36th and Scotland are up two spots to 41st. Northern Ireland have dropped three places to 59th and Wales have slipped seven spots to 84th. New Zealand, who were unbeaten in their three group matches in South Africa, have climbed 24 places to 54th.

Fifa world rankings Top 20:

1. Spain
2. Netherlands
3. Brazil
4. Germany
5. Argentina
6. Uruguay
7. England
8. Portugal
9. Egypt
10. Chile
11. Italy
12. Greece
13. USA
= Serbia
15. Croatia
16. Paraguay
17. Russia
18. Switzerland
19. Slovenia
20. Australia