Ireland slip in world rankings

The Republic of Ireland have slid down the Fifa world rankings for the third successive month.

Steve Staunton's side are now ranked 39th, down one position from last month and eight spots on April's yearly high.

The team is now 11 places below Northern Ireland who continue to climb - improving one spot to 28th.

England have dropped out of the top 10 for the first time since September 2005 and are now ranked 12th.

Holland, Croatia, the Czech Republic and Mexico - who have improved some 16 places - all overtake Steve McClaren's team.

Brazil's success in the Copa America final sees them reclaim top spot from Italy who slip to third.  Argentina, beaten by Brazil in that final, are sandwiched between the two after improving to second.

Scotland (22nd) and Wales (74th) both improve one position.

The Republic of Ireland's next two opponents, Slovakia and the Czech Republic, are ranked 38th and 11th respectively.

Slovakia, in fact, have leapfrogged Staunton's men this month after improving two positions on last month's showing.