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Explained: Why England Is In Danger Of Missing Out On 2027 World Cup Berth After SA Defeat

Anurag Dasgupta

Why England's ODI team in danger [Source: AFP Photo] Why England's ODI team in danger [Source: AFP Photo]

Ever since the 2023 ODI World Cup in India, the England side has gone downhill, and nothing has gone right for the Harry Brook-led side. The Three Lions have won only seven out of the 21 ODI matches since 2023 World Cup, and they recently suffered a heavy series defeat against the South African side.

These performances have led to England being in danger of missing out on an automatic qualification for the next ICC World Cup in 2027. The team had a disastrous Champions Trophy campaign as Jos Buttler stepped down from the post, and Harry Brook was appointed the new skipper. The England team won the subsequent series against the West Indies, but they were brought down to Earth by South Africa recently.

At the moment, England find themselves in the eighth spot in the points table, below Pakistan and Afghanistan, and if they fail to recover from the slump, the Three Lions could lose their automatic qualification.

How many teams will qualify for 2027 World Cup?

Unlike the 2023 World Cup, the 2027 edition will have an increase and 14-teams will battle it out for the World Cup trophy. 

Each team will be divided into two groups and three teams from each group will qualify for the Super 6 stage of the competition. South Africa and Zimbabwe have already qualified for the 2027 World Cup due to them being the hosts. Namibia, the third host country, will play the qualifiers, and besides it, the top eight teams in the ICC rankings will get an automatic promotion.

At the moment, England are eighth in the ICC ODI rankings, and while the other seven teams above them have strengthened their case for a World Cup spot, England find themselves in a dire situation, competing with teams below them.

How England can still play WC if they fail direct qualification?

Let us assume England fails to secure the top 8 spot and misses out on direct qualification; even then, the team has a chance to play the World Cup. England will qualify for the Cricket World Cup qualifiers, and there, the team will compete with other teams to get a second chance to progress to the World Cup.

Four teams from the Cricket World Cup Qualifier will enter the main World Cup groups, and expect England to be one of them.