Since the 2023 ODI World Cup held in India, England's one-day form has declined. The side that was once at the top of the format has been unable to be consistent. From 21 ODIs played post-tournament, the Harry Brook-captained team has won just seven. Their latest loss came against South Africa, who defeated them comprehensively in the series. These poor performances have placed England in actual jeopardy of failing to qualify automatically for the 2027 ICC World Cup. Further exacerbating the crisis, England also had a lackluster Champions Trophy campaign, ultimately prompting Jos Buttler to resign as captain. Harry Brook assumed command and led England to a series victory over the West Indies. The short-lived success, however, was soon cut short by South Africa again exposing their vulnerabilities. Currently, England rank eighth on the ICC ODI rankings table, ahead of sides such as Sri Lanka and Afghanistan. If their slump continues, the Three Lions may be made to battle to qualify for the tournament through the qualifiers. Also Read | Not Kohli, Not Rohit - Buttler Picks This Teen as the Best He’s Seen Qualification Format for the 2027 World Cup 14 teams will compete in the 2027 ICC World Cup, down from the 10 teams that took part in 2023. The teams will be split into two groups, with the three best from each group qualifying for the Super Six level. South Africa and Zimbabwe, being co-hosts, have already qualified. The third host, Namibia, will still need to play the qualifiers. Besides the hosts, the top eight sides in the ICC ODI rankings will directly qualify for the tournament. Currently, England are clinging on to the eighth position, but the buffer is thin, and any let-up could see them edged out of the automatic qualification. England's Backup Route to Qualification If England don't qualify within the top eight, all is not lost. They will make it into the World Cup qualifiers, wherein some teams will fight for the available spaces. From this tournament, four teams will proceed into the main World Cup. As much as English experience and depth go, many would still look towards England to be one of those four. For the meantime, however, the onus is on Harry Brook and his side to come up to the plate in a hurry, or face the ignominy of missing automatic qualification for cricket's top table.