Spain top, Argentina third in rankings

Reigning world and European champions Spain have retained their first place in the latest FIFA rankings.

Vicente Del Bosque’s men have consolidated the top spot despite their 1-1 draw with France, while Argentina have leapfrogged Portugal to climb to third in the standings.

Lionel Messi and his team-mates recorded victories over Uruguay, who fell out of the top 10, and Chile in the past month to rise one position.

Germany have held onto their second place despite their disappointing results of late.

Italy complete the top five as they rise three positions following wins against Armenia and Denmark.

England (sixth) and Netherlands (seventh) both dropped one position, while Colombia (one up), Russia (three up) and Croatia (one up) all find themselves in the top 10 as well.

Brazil, who are set to host the 2014 World Cup, sit 13th in the standings after friendly wins over Japan and Iraq.

Ivory Coast, meanwhile, remain Africa’s highest ranked team in 15th position, while Japan (24) are Asia’s best representative.