Michael Atherton, the veteran analyst for Sky Sports Cricket, believes that England’s women’s side possesses the quality and depth required to mount a serious challenge for the Women's T20 World Cup when it returns to English soil this summer. While the Lionesses have not lifted the T20 crown since they hosted the tournament in 2009, and suffered early exits in both the 2010 and 2024 editions, Atherton is confident that the combination of home advantage, a refreshed leadership group and a pool of talented players will place them firmly in the conversation for the title. The last time England won the T20 World Cup on home ground was in 2009, a triumph that still resonates with fans and provides a psychological edge. "There’s a natural home advantage when you play in familiar conditions, in front of your own supporters," Atherton explained, "but it also brings a heightened level of scrutiny and pressure, especially in a tournament of this magnitude." He noted that the stakes are higher now, with the women's game enjoying unprecedented visibility and commercial interest.
England’s recent trophy drought adds urgency to the mission. The team’s most recent ICC triumph came in 2017, when they secured the 50‑over World Cup at home. Since then, the Lionesses have struggled to replicate that success, exiting at the group stage in both 2010 and 2024.
Nonetheless, the side has undergone a period of transition that Atherton sees as a catalyst for future achievement. "We have terrific players, a new captain, a new coach and a fresh management structure," he said.
"Charlotte Edwards will have them well drilled, and I have no doubt they’ll be ready to compete with the best." The upcoming squad announcement for the 2026 tournament, scheduled for Tuesday, will reveal how the England board has responded to the challenges of the past few years. Edwards, a former captain herself, has been tasked with blending experience and youth, creating a balanced unit capable of adapting to the fast‑paced nature of T20 cricket.
Atherton highlighted several key figures who could make a decisive impact. First among them is captain Nat Sciver‑Brunt, whose leadership will be under the microscope given the heightened expectations of a home World Cup.
"The captain’s role is crucial, especially with the added pressure of playing at home," Atherton noted. "Nat is not only a strategic leader but also one of the best all‑rounders in the world, and her performance will set the tone for the team." In the bowling department, opening pacer Lauren Bell is expected to exploit English conditions, where swing and seam movement are traditionally pronounced. "Finding early movement with the new ball is vital," Atherton said, emphasizing that Bell’s ability to generate swing could give England the early breakthroughs they need. A rising star who caught Atherton’s eye during The Hundred is Devina Perrin.
After a spectacular century at the Oval in the eliminator match, Perrin announced herself as a player ready to seize her moment on the world stage. "She showed she can handle pressure and score big runs when it matters," Atherton remarked. "I expect her to step up and deliver when the spotlight is on her." Beyond individual talents, Atherton stressed the overall improvement in the competitive landscape of women’s cricket.
"The standard across all teams is rising continuously," he observed. "Australia will always be a formidable opponent, but the gap is narrowing as more nations invest in professional structures and talent pathways." Heather Knight, England’s senior player, echoed a similar sentiment about the broader impact of the tournament. She explained that England’s ambition is not merely to win matches but to leave a lasting legacy for women’s cricket in the country. "We want to create a real legacy for women's cricket, similar to what the Lionesses achieved in football and the Red Roses in rugby," Knight told Sky Sports.
"The success of those teams has shown that women’s sport can attract massive crowds and inspire a new generation." Knight highlighted how the sport’s landscape has shifted dramatically since the 2017 World Cup victory. The Lionesses have since secured back‑to‑back European Championships in 2022 and 2025, the latter played in front of a sold‑out Wembley. Likewise, the Red Roses captured the Rugby World Cup at a packed Twickenham last September.
These achievements have raised the profile of women’s sport, creating a more professional domestic structure and greater media exposure. "Home support was huge for us in 2017," Knight recalled. "The crowds, the atmosphere at Lord’s, it was a special experience.
This time, we have the chance to replicate that and make an even bigger impact. If we perform well, we can inspire girls across the country to see cricket as a viable and exciting path." The domestic game in England has also evolved, with the introduction of fully professional contracts for a larger pool of players and a more robust county and regional system. This infrastructure provides a clearer pathway for talent development, ensuring that promising youngsters receive the coaching and competitive opportunities needed to thrive at the international level. Atherton concluded that while the tournament will be fiercely contested, England’s combination of home conditions, a rejuvenated leadership group and a deep talent pool positions them as genuine contenders.
"If the Lionesses execute their game plans, manage the pressure, and allow their young players to express themselves, they can definitely be part of the shake‑up and potentially bring the trophy back home," he said. In summary, the upcoming Women’s T20 World Cup represents a pivotal moment for English cricket.
The team’s recent restructuring, the emergence of new talents like Devina Perrin, and the strategic acumen of captain Nat Sciver‑Brunt and coach Charlotte Edwards provide a solid foundation. Coupled with the inspirational legacy of other women’s national teams and a growing domestic framework, England has both the resources and the motivation to challenge for the title and, perhaps, write a new chapter in the history of women’s cricket.