Interesting read about how rankings are calculated and how friendlies can be used to bump teams up the rankings. It explains why we must never again lower ourselves to playing mediocre nations such as Scotland and Republic O'Ireland. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-25134584
Looking forward to 2018, the 'Nations League' will be starting in Europe and that will be a much better test of the standings http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/26747394
Excellent that will mean games against Germany, Spain, etc, no more "friendlies" against insignificant countries.