The Republic of Ireland have improved three places to 15th in the official FIFA World Rankings released today.
Mick McCarthy’s side continue their World Cup preparation tomorrow night when they host Nigeria at Lansdowne Road. The visitors have moved up two places to 27th.
Germany, who Ireland play in Ibaraki on June 5th, trade places with England and move up to 11th - England drop to 12th.
World Cup opponents Cameroon also climb one place to 17th while Ireland’s remaining Group E opponents, Saudi Arabia, remain unchanged in 34th.
Reigning World and European champions France continue to set the pace in top spot. Brazil are joined in second by Argentina who improve one place.
Spain are the only side in the top 10 to drop a place. Jose Antonio Camacho’s team fall one position to eighth.
Scotland slip two places to 54th while Northern Ireland improve one position on last month’s ranking to 90th.
Mark Hughes’ Wales surprisingly beat Germany 1-0 in Cardiff last night and improve one spot to 96th place.
All 32 World Cup qualifiers are ranked inside the top 50.