Can impressive Wales end the calendar year ahead of England?

As Wales, unbeaten so far in Euro 2016 qualifying Group B, prepare to face Israel in an important duel, Coral experts ask whether Chris Coleman’s dangerous Dragons can end 2015 ranked higher than bitter foes England? Special odds of 13/8 say they can.

The price alone makes this enhanced bet worth a punt, but the race to be top Home Nation, an honour the Three Lions long held but have now lost, is evidently not so cut and dry anymore.

Wales now stand in ninth position in FIFA’s famous world rankings, one spot above their old English enemies for the first time ever, after Roy Hodgson’s boys slipped down to 10th. Can they cling on until the end of the calendar year?

On the cusp of qualification for France, which would be a first-ever Euro finals appearance, the Welsh are also on the verge of winning their pool, containing former favourites Belgium and Bosnia and Herzegovina, that once looked perilous.

The Dragons have so far defied initial low expectations, from fans resigned to being also rans, and now there is a palpable fever and pride surrounding Cardiff City Stadium. A famous victory and also a draw against world number two Belgium has helped propel Coleman’s men up the table, and with those rated their trickiest ties in qualification, there should be a smooth path ahead.

Coach Coleman answered questions about Wales’ new status as top dog, stating: “We’ve been low in the rankings and had that rubbed in our face many a time.

“Now we’re doing very well, certain people want to say the rankings are this and they’re that, but the players deserve it.”