Scotland are now within seven places of England in the FIFA world rankings following the latter's disastrous showing at the World Cup in Brazil.
England have dropped 10 places to No.20 - their lowest ranking since 1996 - after losing to Italy and Uruguay, and drawing with Costa Rica.
Scotland remain in 27th place, which means that the two historic rivals are the closest they have been since October 2007 when Alex McLeish's Scotland side reached 13th place and England were just two spots above them. Scotland have only held a better world ranking once, in June 1995 when the national team was No.21 and England were only No.22.
It is another ranking which is likely to steal focus for the Scots later this year, though, since Gordon Strachan's side are next occupied with a match against Germany. Following the World Cup, they are now ranked the best team in the world. Argentina are ranked in second place, while the Netherlands have jumped 12 places to third. World Cup hosts Brazil have dropped four places and are now ranked No.7.
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