FIFA rankings: Spain ahead of the United States, Italy slip to 14th place

FIFA have updated the women's rankings, with friendlies played in recent months doing little to change the top 10 from June. Spain lead with 2,121.50 points, followed by the United States on 2,042.38. The two sides drew 2-2 last week, with the US coming back from two goals down through Sanchez and Swanson after goals from Putellas and Salma Paralluelo. Germany are third on 2,034.62 points, ahead of England in fourth on 2,025.47 and Japan in fifth on 1,994.43.

Italy slip to 14th place

France sit sixth, with Brazil, Sweden, Canada and Denmark completing the top ten. Denmark climb two places, overtaking the Netherlands and North Korea, who sit 11th and 12th respectively. Norway are 13th, ahead of Italy, who slip one place to 14th. Australia remain 15th behind the Azzurre, followed by Iceland and South Korea, who are moving up the rankings. China drop two places to 18th.

Finland out of the top 20

Colombia sit 19th, ahead of Belgium, with the two sides completing the top 20 of the FIFA rankings. Finland, Italy's next opponents in the World Cup play-off, are 22nd. Ireland sit one place above the Nordic side in 21st.