In the years between then and now, England have seen the dismantling of their ‘golden generation’, whilst Welsh football has seen the emergence of several high profile talents, such as the world’s most expensive footballer: Gareth Bale. Just four years ago England were ranked 8 th in the rankings whilst Wales were languishing in 90 th place. This time round, should Wales triumph in Cyprus, a victory against Israel in Cardiff would secure the nation’s place at their second major finals. Ironically, Wales qualified for that tournament by winning a qualifier against Israel. That would be the nation’s first appearance at a major tournament since the 1958 World Cup in Sweden, where a John Charles inspired Wales reached the quarter finals, only to be knocked out by a single goal against Brazil, scored by a 17-year-old named Pele. The news comes on the same day that Wales prepare to face Cyprus in Nicosia, where a victory would put Wales on the cusp of a place in Euro 2016 in France next summer. Not bad for a side that reached an all time low of 112 in the rankings just 5 years ago in 2010, with an average ranking of 69 th since the system was created. Wales top England in FIFA rankings for first timeįootball fans in Wales were celebrating on Thursday (3 Sep) as football’s world governing body FIFA announced that Wales had gone above England in the world rankings for the first time in the nation’s history.Ĭhris Coleman’s side maintained their position in 9 th place, whilst England fell two places to tenth meaning Wales are now the top ranked side from the British Isles.
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