Sky Sports Cricket analyst Michael Atherton believes that England’s women’s side possesses both the talent and the squad depth required to mount a serious challenge for the Women's T20 World Cup when it returns to English soil this summer. Although the Lionesses have not lifted the T20 crown since they hosted the tournament in 2009, and they suffered early exits in both the 2010 and 2024 editions, there are signs that the team is rebuilding and could be back in contention. Their last major ICC triumph came in 2017, when they won the 50‑over World Cup on home turf, but since then the side has struggled to replicate that success across formats.
Head coach Charlotte Edwards is set to announce the final 15‑player roster for the 2026 competition on Tuesday. Despite a period of inconsistency and a few disappointing campaigns, Atherton is confident that England will be among the teams to watch.
"It was a long time ago, but the last time the tournament was held here in England, the Lionesses won it, so there’s that natural home advantage. At the same time, playing at home brings extra scrutiny and pressure, which is inevitable," he explained. Atherton highlighted the recent overhaul of the squad: new management, a new captain, and a fresh coaching team have all been introduced. "Charlotte Edwards will have them well drilled, I have no doubt about that.
They have plenty of strength in depth and a number of world‑class players, so they should be in the mix," he said. The analyst also noted that the overall standard of women’s cricket is rising worldwide, making any tournament highly competitive. "Australia will always be a formidable opponent, but England’s home advantage and the quality of their players should keep them in the shake‑up," he added. When asked which England players could make the biggest impact, Atherton singled out captain Nat Sciver‑Brunt as the pivotal figure.
"The captain’s role is crucial, especially in a home tournament where expectations are high. Nat is not only a leader but also one of the best all‑rounders in the game," he said.
He also praised opening bowler Lauren Bell for her ability to extract movement with the new ball in English conditions, a skill that could prove decisive in the early overs. Additionally, Atherton mentioned the rising star Devina Perrin, who impressed in The Hundred with a spectacular century at the Oval during the eliminator match. "She’s a young player who will say, ‘This is my time,’ and I expect her to deliver when the moment comes," he noted.
England captain Heather Knight has spoken about the broader ambition of the home World Cup: to create a lasting legacy for women’s cricket in the country, mirroring the achievements of the Lionesses in football and the Red Roses in rugby. Knight pointed out that the landscape of women’s sport has changed dramatically since England’s 2017 World Cup triumph. The Lionesses have gone on to win back‑to‑back European Championships in 2022 and 2025, including a historic final at a sold‑out Wembley, while the Red Roses captured the Rugby World Cup at a packed Twickenham last September. "The focus now is women’s cricket at the World Cup, and it’s incredibly exciting.
It’s a chance for us to do something special as a side," Knight told Sky Sports. She reflected on the massive support the team enjoyed in 2017, recalling the atmosphere at Lord’s and the way crowds built throughout the tournament. "It’s a chance to have a real impact on the sport in our country and leave a legacy.
If we do our job right and succeed this summer, we can cement a lasting legacy for women’s cricket in England," she said. Knight also emphasized the structural improvements that have taken place in the domestic game. The professionalisation of the women's county and regional competitions has made a career in cricket more viable and visible for young girls.
"The domestic game is now professional, it’s a lot more normal to be a women’s cricketer, and there’s far more visibility," she explained. She hopes that a successful World Cup campaign will further embed those structures and inspire a new generation. "We want to do something similar to what the Lionesses and Red Roses have achieved – inspire kids and make being a girl in cricket feel completely normal and exciting," Knight added.
In summary, while England’s women’s team faces stiff competition from powerhouses such as Australia, India and the West Indies, the combination of home advantage, a refreshed squad, and a clear legacy‑driven mission could see them break their T20 World Cup drought. With a captain who leads by example, a potent bowling attack capable of exploiting English conditions, and emerging talents ready to seize their moment, the Lionesses are poised to be more than just participants – they could be genuine title contenders in the 2026 tournament.