The Republic of Ireland has climbed one place to 18th in the official FIFA World Rankings which were released today.
Mick McCarthy’s side has played only one friendly - last month’s 2-0 home win over Russia - since securing World Cup qualification in Iran last November.
The Republic of Ireland continue their World Cup preparation on Wednesday, March 27th when they play host to 1992 European champions Denmark at Lansdowne Road.
Ireland’s World Cup Group E opponents Cameroon scaled a magnificent 19 places to 18th in February but drop one spot this month.
Germany, who Ireland play in Ibaraki on June 5th, climb two places to 10th while Saudi Arabia - Ireland’s remaining Group E opponents - drop one place to 35th.
Reigning World and European champions France continue to set the pace in top spot with Argentina and Brazil second and third respectively. Italy improve into fourth from sixth.
England have dropped out of the top 10 for the first time since August 2001. Sven-Goran Eriksson's side lie 12th.
Scotland, now under the guidance of German Berti Vogts, and Northern Ireland remain unchanged in 51st and 92nd spot respectively while Wales improve four places to 97th.
FIFA World Rankings
1. France 807
2. Argentina 793
3. Brazil 788
4. Italy 738
5. Colombia 735
6. Portugal 733
7. Spain 728
8. Mexico 719
9. Netherlands 718
10. Germany 710
11. Yugoslavia 708
12. England 704
13. United States 702
14. Czech Republic 692
15. Paraguay 685
16. Sweden 683
17. Romania 678
18. Ireland 673
19. Cameroon 672
. Denmark 672