Nobody ever takes the FIFA world rankings too seriously.
The ratings after the Copa America in 2015 were a joke. Colombia were viewed as the fourth-best nation in the world, two spots ahead of Brazil.
And in eighth spot was Romania. Yes, really.
Fast forward two years and Brazil are number one, having become the first nation to qualify for the 2018 World Cup in Russia.
England are 14th following their dismal effort at last summer’s European Championship.
The tournament brought to an end Roy Hodgson’s reign in charge of the Three Lions. Although it ended miserably, Hodgson actually guided England to their best ever position in FIFA’s rankings in 2012.
FIFA’s table in August 2012, a month after Euro 2012, had England third, with Spain in first and Germany second.
It becomes even more ridiculous when you consider England went as far as the quarter-finals of Euro 2012 before losing to Italy on penalties.
England's XI that reached third in the world
GiveMeSport has a look at England’s XI from that match in Ukraine.
GK | Joe Hart | Torino (on loan from Manchester City)
RB | Glen Johnson | Stoke City
CB | John Terry | Chelsea
CB | Joleon Lescott | Aston Villa
LB | Ashley Cole | LA Galaxy
RM | Ashley Young | Manchester United
CM | Steven Gerrard | Retired
CM | Scott Parker | Fulham
LM | James Milner | Liverpool
ST | Wayne Rooney | Manchester United
ST | Danny Welbeck | Arsenal
England exited the tournament after losing to Italy in a penalty shootout. Gerrard and Rooney both scored but their efforts were followed up by misses from Young and Cole.
Third in the world, but still rubbish at penalties.
2018 World Cup
England don’t need FIFA’s rankings to get ahead of themselves, however. The media very often does it for them.
Following an impressive performance against Germany last month, followed by a convincing win over Lithuania, it’s thought the future could be bright under Gareth Southgate and his three-in-defence system.
That’s until next year’s World Cup.
England are currently top of their qualifying group having won four out of five matches.