Michael Atherton, the veteran commentator for Sky Sports Cricket, believes that England’s women’s side possesses the depth and skill required to mount a serious challenge for the Women's T20 World Cup when it returns to English soil next summer. While the Lionesses have not lifted the T20 trophy since they hosted the event in 2009, and their recent outings have been disappointing – exiting at the group stage in both 2010 and again in 2024 – the former England captain sees a different narrative emerging for the upcoming 2026 edition.
The last time England won a world title on home ground was the 2017 50‑over World Cup, a triumph that still resonates with fans and players alike. Since then, the national team has struggled to capture any ICC silverware, prompting a period of reflection and restructuring. Head coach Charlotte Edwards is set to unveil the final squad for the 2026 tournament on Tuesday, and Atherton is confident that the new mix of experience and youthful exuberance will place England firmly in the conversation for the championship.
"It was a long time ago, but when the tournament was held here in England we won it, so there’s that natural home advantage," Atherton explained. "At the same time, playing at home brings extra scrutiny, pressure and expectation – it’s a double‑edged sword." Atherton highlighted several factors that could tip the scales in England’s favour.
"England have terrific players. They’re under new management, a new captain and a new coach. Charlotte Edwards will have them well drilled – I have no doubt about that.
They have plenty of strength in depth and a number of top‑class performers, so they should be in the shake‑up." The former England opener noted the increasing competitiveness of the women's game. "It’s a hard tournament to call. There are many strong sides and the overall standard is improving all the time, making it more competitive. Australia will undoubtedly be a formidable opponent, but England, with home advantage and a solid core, should be in the mix." When asked which players to watch, Atherton singled out captain Nat Sciver‑Brunt as the pivotal figure.
"The captain is crucial in a home tournament – there’s a lot of scrutiny, pressure and expectation. Nat is both a leader and one of the best players in the world." He also praised opening bowler Lauren Bell, emphasizing the importance of exploiting English conditions with the new ball. "Finding movement early with the new ball is vital, and Lauren has the skill set to do that." A rising star who caught Atherton’s eye during The Hundred was Devina Perrin, whose explosive century at the Oval in the eliminator (the match before the final) showcased her ability to perform on big stages. "I expect a young player like Devina to say, ‘This is my time,’ and deliver when it matters most." England’s ambition goes beyond a single tournament.
Team captain Heather Knight told Sky Sports that the goal for the home World Cup is to "create a real legacy for women's cricket in this country," echoing the achievements of the Lionesses in football and the Red Roses in rugby. Since their 2017 World Cup win, the landscape of women's sport in England has evolved dramatically. The Lionesses secured back‑to‑back European Championships in 2022 and 2025, the latter in front of a sold‑out Wembley, while the Red Roses lifted the Rugby World Cup at a packed Twickenham last September.
Knight stressed that the upcoming tournament offers a unique platform to inspire the next generation. "Home support was huge for us in 2017 – the crowds, the atmosphere at Lord’s – it was super special. This is a chance to have a real impact on the sport in our country and leave a lasting legacy. If we do our job right and succeed this summer, we can cement a legacy for women's cricket." She also highlighted structural improvements in the domestic game, noting that professional contracts and increased visibility have made a career in women's cricket more viable than ever before.
"The landscape is very different now. The domestic structure is professional, it’s more normal to be a women’s cricketer, and there’s far more exposure. If we achieve success, the existing structures will help us maximise its impact and create a huge moment for the sport." Knight drew parallels with the successes of the Lionesses and Red Roses, saying she has followed their journeys closely and knows many of the players personally. "We want to do something similar and hopefully inspire girls to see cricket as a normal, great option." In summary, Atherton’s assessment combines optimism with realism.
England’s past disappointments are acknowledged, but the combination of home advantage, a refreshed leadership team, depth in the squad, and emerging talents like Perrin provide a solid foundation for a serious title bid. The broader aim, as articulated by Knight, is to use the tournament as a catalyst for lasting growth in women’s cricket, building on the momentum generated by other women’s sports successes in England.
If the Lionesses can harness the support of the home crowd, deliver consistent performances across all departments – batting, bowling and fielding – and navigate the pressures that come with expectations, they could very well rewrite the narrative and bring the T20 World Cup back to England for the first time since 2009.