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 next summer. Although the Lionesses have not lifted the T20 crown since they hosted the tournament in 2009, and their recent outings have been disappointing – a group‑stage exit in 2024 and an earlier early‑round exit in 2010 – the former England captain sees a markedly different picture for the upcoming 2026 edition.
Atherton highlighted that the last time England hosted the event, the home side emerged victorious, giving the team a natural advantage that comes with familiar conditions and supportive crowds. Yet he cautioned that playing at home also brings heightened scrutiny, media pressure and lofty expectations from fans. "It’s a long time ago, but the last time it was held here in England, England won it, so there’s that natural home advantage, but with it being at home comes a little bit of added scrutiny and pressure as well, inevitably," he explained. The forthcoming squad will be unveiled by head coach Charlotte Edwards on Tuesday.
Edwards, a former England captain herself, has overhauled the team’s leadership structure, appointing a new captain and introducing fresh coaching staff. Atherton praised these changes, noting that the side now boasts a blend of experienced internationals and exciting young talent. "England have got terrific players. They're under new management, new captain, new coach.
Charlotte Edwards will have them well drilled, I have no doubt about that. They've got plenty of strength in depth and some top‑class players, so they should be in the shake‑up," he said. When asked about the overall competitiveness of the tournament, Atherton acknowledged that the global standard has risen dramatically. "It’s a hard tournament to call.
There are some very good teams. I think the standard across the board is improving all the time, so it’s getting more competitive. Obviously Australia are going to be a very tough team to beat.
But England with home advantage and some good players should be in the shake‑up," he added. Atherton singled out several England players as key figures to watch. He named captain Nat Sciver‑Brunt as the linchpin, emphasizing her dual role as leader and premier all‑rounder. "The captain and the leader as a driving force and obviously one of the best players as well, which Nat Sciver‑Brunt is," he said.
He also highlighted opening bowler Lauren Bell, whose ability to extract movement with the new ball in English conditions could prove decisive. Additionally, Atherton praised emerging star Devina Perrin, who impressed with a brilliant century in The Hundred’s eliminator at the Oval, suggesting she is poised to announce herself on the world stage. England’s ambitions extend beyond a single trophy.
Team captain Heather Knight told Sky Sports that the home World Cup is an opportunity to cement a lasting legacy for women’s cricket in the country, mirroring the successes of the Lionesses in football and the Red Roses in rugby. Knight noted that the landscape of women’s sport has transformed since the 2017 World Cup triumph, with increased visibility, professional domestic structures and larger crowds. She recalled the electrifying atmosphere at Lord’s in 2017 and the sold‑out Wembley finals in 2022 and 2025, underscoring how those moments have raised the profile of women’s sport nationwide. "The focus now is women's cricket at the World Cup so it’s really exciting, not too far away now and a chance for us to do something really special as a side," Knight said.
She stressed that success this summer could inspire a new generation of girls to take up cricket, making the sport feel normal and aspirational for young women across the UK. The upcoming tournament will also be broadcast free of charge on the Sky Sports app, offering fans easy access to every match.
Sky Sports Cricket will continue its coverage with podcasts, live commentary and expert analysis, ensuring that the growing audience for women’s cricket can follow the action closely. In summary, while England’s women’s team has endured a period of under‑achievement, the combination of home advantage, a refreshed leadership group, and a deep pool of talent gives them a credible shot at the 2026 Women’s T20 World Cup. With the backing of a passionate fan base and a clear vision to leave a lasting legacy, the Lionesses are poised to turn past disappointments into a historic triumph on home soil.