BEST: Germany return to top of FIFA's rankings

Germany's run to Sunday's World Cup title has seen them return to the top of FIFA's world rankings for the first time in around 20 years.

The latest list, published on Thursday, has Germany moving up one place on the strength of their 1-0 defeat of Argentina in Sunday's final at the Maracana.

Lionel Messi's Argentina are placed second, with the Netherlands leaping 12 places into third after their impressive World Cup third place.

The James Rodriguez-inspired Colombia move up to fourth, ahead of Belgium and Uruguay while disappointing Brazil dropped four spots to seventh.

Deposed world champions Spain slumped seven rungs to their new modest placing of eighth, with Switzerland and France completing the top ten.

England's woeful first round exit resulted in Roy Hodgson's side dropping ten places to 20th.