It’s just over a month since France, now ranked No.1 in the world, lifted the World Cup after beating Croatia in the final in Moscow and, while the rankings are not quite a true reputation of a nation’s standing in international football, they certainly reflect the progress made.
Gareth Southgate’s side exceeded all expectations as they reached the semi-finals this summer, even winning on penalties for the first time at a World Cup, before - having been 22 minutes from a place in the final - losing to Croatia in extra time.
Hosts Russia climbed highest, rising 21 places while Germany, who failed to make it out of their group sank from 1st to 15th, with Argentina also dropping out of the top ten.
Following their third place finish, beating England in the play-off, fellow semi-finalists Belgium rose to No.2 in the world.
