World Cup Bound England Fall Below Italy In FIFA Rankings

If anyone was wondering just how bad the FIFA ranking system is then Italy's ascension after losing to Sweden in the World Cup qualification play-offs next to England's fall despite two draws against the best two teams will no doubt cause alarm.

Essentially the FIFA rankings are only important at about two points in every four year cycle. Once before the World Cup qualification draw and once for the draw for the competition itself.

The draw for the World Cup takes place next Friday, December 1st, but even now the rankings that have come out today are pretty irrelevant because the seedings are decided on the rankings from last month.

_{The seedings for the World Cup draw in just one week's time. Image: PA Images.}

So I caveat this with the fact it doesn't matter but how the hell have Italy risen about England in the rankings? Sure England weren't exactly brilliant against Germany and Brazil but did earn two draws.

Not losing to two sides above them in the rankings has seen them drop three places to 15th whilst Italy, who were knocked out of the World Cup by Sweden, moved up one place to 14th.

_{England way down in 15th. Image: PA Images}

By avoiding friendlies in the build up to the World Cup, as well as topping their qualification, Poland have managed to play the system and found themselves in the top 10 and as top seeds for Russia 2018.

Conversely winners of two of the past three Euros and World Cup winners from 2010, Spain, find themselves alongside England in pot two and thus able to draw the likes of Germany or Brazil in the Group Stages.

_{Not as good as the vintage of seven years ago but still but bloody good. Image: PA Images}

Sure getting draws against the top two sides in the rankings might not be the best results but they are still better results than losing to 18th placed Sweden and failing to qualify for the World Cup for the first time since 1958.

They may not be super important but the FIFA world rankings should at least work properly.

Topics: Russia 2018, FIFA, England, World Cup, Italy

Ryan Sidle

Ryan is a writer for SPORTbible. He covers all sport from football, formula one, cricket, rugby, tennis, athletics, mma and wrestling. He obviously hates YOUR football team and has no interest in synchronised swimming.

@Sidler28