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Wales move above England in latest FIFA world rankings

Wales' Hal Robson-Kanu celebrates scoring his sides first goal during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Qualifying, Group D match at Stadionul Zimbru in Chisinau, Mo
Image: Wales won both of their World Cup qualifiers in September

Wales have moved up to 13th in the latest FIFA world rankings, two places ahead of England.

After wins against Moldova and Austria in this month's World Cup qualifying, Wales have moved up five places.

Chris Coleman's side are the highest-ranked British side after overtaking England, who drop two places despite victories over Malta and Slovakia.

England find themselves behind Peru (12th) but ahead of Uruguay (16th) and Italy (17th).

Northern Ireland are up three places to 20th and Scotland have improved from 58th to 43rd. The Republic of Ireland have dropped five places to 34th.

A high-placed ranking could mean a more favourable draw for the World Cup next summer.

The official ranking table will be updated twice more before the draw on December 1 following the last round of European World Cup qualifiers and the play-offs in November.

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England's striker Marcus Rashford celebrates scoring England's second goal during the World Cup 2018 qualification match
Image: Marcus Rashford scored the winner in England's 2-1 win over Slovakia, but the national side have dropped to 15th in the rankings

A higher ranking could benefit Wales if they were to qualify from their group in second to reach the play-offs.

Seeded teams would avoid playing each other meaning they would not play Portugal, Switzerland or Italy depending on who qualify.

Germany have replaced Brazil at the top of the list, while Portugal and Belgium have moved into the top five.

As it stands, Europe would have six of the top eight seeds in December's World Cup draw with Poland and Switzerland occupying sixth and seventh place.

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