Spain still top of world, England on the rise

ZURICH: European champions Spain remained on top of the soccer world rankings for a fifth successive month following the publication of the latest FIFA standings on Wednesday.

Spain celebrated back-to-back World Cup qualifying victories over Belgium and Estonia in October to maintain their perfect record in the campaign so far.

Germany, who also won twice in October, have climbed back into second place at the expense of Italy with the world champions paying the price for last month's goalless World Cup qualifying draw in Bulgaria.