The Three Lions sit pretty in 4th position despite disappointing performances
England rises to number 4 and raises eyebrows. They are two spots above Italy, the 2012 Euro runners up. Brazil falls to 11th because they don’t have to play any qualifying matches having already qualified for the 2014 World Cup as hosts. Keeping in shape playing friendlies counts for far less points.
The present ELO ratings rank Brazil a more realistic 3rd position but they also have Italy pegged in 10th position. England also climb to an impressive 5th spot.
The upshot is that Jerome Valcke, the FIFA vice president had to come out with a statement defending the rankings.
“There are teams who are playing more friendly games than other teams and you can see a difference which is not very logical, but the ranking I would say is clearly still a good picture of the level of international football.”
The USA are in 36th position having slipped 8 places since the last month. They had a tough draw against Guatemala on the road after winning their first CONCACAF World Cup qualifying encounter against Antigua and Barbuda. Next up is Jamaica on 7th September.