England climb to sixth in Fifa world rankings

Danny Welbeck beats Simon Mignolet to score his first goal for England (AFP/Getty Images)

England have climbed one place to sixth in the latest FIFA world rankings, with Spain widening the gap at the top and Uruguay ousting Germany from second spot.

World and European champions Spain remained untouchable at the summit, extending their lead even further with Uruguay - World Cup semi-finalists in 2010 and Copa America winners last summer - now their nearest challengers.

Roy Hodgson's England moved up one position, with Brazil, Argentina and Denmark also making progress - up to fifth, seventh and ninth respectively.

Portugal fell five places to 10th after a goalless draw against FYR Macedonia and a 3-1 defeat against Turkey in the build-up to Euro 2012.

Republic of Ireland remained 18th ahead of their campaign in Poland and Ukraine.

Scotland leapt seven positions to 41st and Wales advanced three places to 38th, but Northern Ireland dropped three spots to 103rd.

PA