European champions Italy are on a world record 37-game unbeaten streak, but they remain lodged at number five in the FIFA rankings.
The world governing body published its new list on Thursday and the only change in the top five saw England jump to third, nudging France down to fourth.
England were runners-up to Italy in the Euro 2020 final, losing on penalties at Wembley after a 1-1 draw, and two wins and a draw from World Cup qualifiers in September have seen Gareth Southgate s team edge ahead of Les Bleus.
It is the first time since 2012 that England have reached the top three, and third place remains the highest position they have achieved in the rankings.
Didier Deschamps France could only manage two draws and a win in this month s international br…