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BEST OF BRITISH

Fifa world rankings: Wales are officially now better than England after Euro 2016 successes

Chris Coleman and his heroes go into Euros semi with Portugal knowing they will leapfrog England in the next Fifa rankings

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WALES will be crowned the best of British next week — to further humiliate England.

Chris Coleman and his heroes go into their Euros semi with Portugal knowing they will leapfrog England in the next Fifa world rankings, released on July 14.

 Chris Coleman celebrates the win over Belgium with members of his staff
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Chris Coleman celebrates the win over Belgium with members of his staffCredit: Getty Images

Wales will surge into the world’s top six, ahead of Spain, Italy and BRAZIL, if they beat Cristiano Ronaldo’s men on Wednesday to reach the final on July 10.

 Chris Coleman's Wales take on Portugal in the semi-final on Wednesday
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Chris Coleman's Wales take on Portugal in the semi-final on WednesdayCredit: AP:Associated Press

And the Dragons would be above the trio if the game goes to a shootout.

Even if they lose, they will be provisionally tenth in the new rankings.

 England crashed out of Euro 2016 at the hands of minnows Iceland
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England crashed out of Euro 2016 at the hands of minnows IcelandCredit: Reuters

England will drop into the ranks of second-tier also-rans in the wake of their Iceland humbling.

But despite that 2-1 defeat, which forced Roy Hodgson to quit, England will move from 1069 ranking points to 1107.

Wales, who were 26th with 846 points in the June rankings, will be on 1137 if they lose, 1178 if the game goes to penalties and 1259 if they win in 90 or 120 minutes.

It is a mark of the big steps Wales have taken under Coleman since arriving in France.

Coleman said: “When we won the group and the pathway is different, it changes.

“You gain confidence every time, get game-hardened the longer you’re here, playing in that intensity and pressure, and you relish it.”

Wales have only been ahead of England for one month in the 23-year history of the rankings.

In October, after a win in Cyprus and draw with Israel put them on the brink of qualification, Wales were eighth, their highest-ever position.

And it was two places above England, but they dropped back the following month.

 

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