"Wales in line to climb above England"

WalesOnline

By Chris Wathan

Saturday 13th June 2015

Wales have booked their place among the best teams on the planet after their incredible win over Belgium that sent shockwaves through world football saw them move above European superpowers Spain, Italy and France.

And they can class themselves as the best in Britain if England fail to beat Slovenia on Sunday as the Welsh march up the Fifa rankings continues.

Gareth Bale's 25th minute strike to seal a momentous win over Marc Wilmots' star-studded side could – depending on other results over the next few days - see Chris Coleman's side enter the top ten in the world for the first time in their history.

That includes being above current European champions Spain and runners-up Italy as well as Euro hosts France.

They could even eclipse England in the rankings for the first time if Roy Hodgson's men slip up in Solvenia.
Wayne Rooney and his team have a 100 per cent qualifying record so far and will be expected to triumph again.

However, Slovenia are second in the table and will be desperate to avoid defeat as they seek to keep their place ahead of Switzerland in runners-up spot.

In the last set of Fifa rankings, England were 15th with Wales seven spots behind in 22nd.

Overcoming the second best team in the world means Wales have picked up significant ranking points in the complicated coefficient system Fifa use to formalise the ratings.

And if England don't win, the Bale-led triumph will ensure Coleman's side roar past the Three Lions too... and say they are Britain's finest.

I think England will win on Sunday - so don't hold your breath.