Euro 2016 Qualifiers: Wales Set To Leapfrog England In Fifa Rankings

Source: thewillnigeria.com

Wales are set to jump above England in the Fifa rankings for the first time ahead of Thursday’s Euro 2016 qualifier against Cyprus in Nicosia.

Chris Coleman’s team will hold on to their best position of ninth, while England will drop to 10th.

Beating Cyprus would leave Wales within one win of qualifying for next year’s European Championships in France.

Wales manager Coleman said the new rankings would be a “confidence boost” but said success was making Euro 2016.

“We’ve been low in the rankings and had that rubbed in our face many a time,” he said.

“Now we’re doing very well, certain people want to say the rankings are this and they’re that, but the players deserve that.

“At the same time, the rankings are not going to get us to France.

“We need to do something no-one’s done. Success is getting to France.”

Wales moved up to a new high of ninth, rising above the likes of the Netherlands and former world champions Spain.

Wales were as low as 117th as recently as August 2011.

Coleman’s side beat Belgium in a Euro 2016 qualifier in June, which resulted in a leap into the top 10 of the rankings for the first time since they were introduced in 1993.

Wales are three points clear at the top of Group B with four games remaining as they bid to reach their first major finals since 1958.

If Wales beat Cyprus and secure another three points at home to Israel on Sunday, it will send them through to the finals in France.

England are top of their Euro 2016 qualifying group with a 100% record and face San Marino on Saturday.

BBC SPORTS