England rise to fifth in Fifa world rankings

Stand-in captain Frank Lampard scored England's only goal against Spain

England have climbed to fifth in the Fifa world rankings on the back of victories over Spain and Sweden.

Fabio Capello's side recorded two 1-0 friendly wins in the space of four days at Wembley earlier this month.

Those results lifted them two places in the Fifa standings, although they are some way adrift of Uruguay in fourth.

World and European champions Spain remain top, ahead of the Netherlands and Germany.

Brazil, Portugal, Croatia, Italy and Argentina complete the top 10.

Frank Lampard scored England's goal against Spain to give them their first win over reigning world champions since they beat Argentina at Wembley in 1980.

Victory over Sweden - their first for 43 years - was secured when Daniel Majstorovic headed into his own net, taking England to 2,000 goals in the process.

Republic of Ireland rose four spots to 21st and Scotland climbed two to 49th, overtaking Wales, who slipped to 50th despite beating Norway 4-1 this month.

Northern Ireland, who remain without a manager following Nigel Worthington's resignation in October, fell five places to 89th.