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 grounds this summer. While the Lionesses have not lifted the T20 trophy since they hosted the event in 2009, and their recent outings have been disappointing – a group‑stage exit in 2024 and no ICC titles of any format since their 2017 50‑over World Cup triumph – the former England captain sees a different narrative emerging for the 2026 edition. Head coach Charlotte Edwards is set to reveal her squad for the tournament on Tuesday.
Despite a turbulent few years that have seen changes in leadership, coaching staff and a dip in results, Atherton is confident that the new group will be competitive. “It’s been a long time since England won the T20 World Cup at home, and that historic home‑advantage still carries weight,” he explained. “But playing on familiar pitches also brings added scrutiny, pressure and expectations from the home crowd.” Historically, England’s record in recent T20 World Cups has been underwhelming.
In 2010 the team fell at the group stage, and the same fate befell them in 2024. Nevertheless, Atherton points out that the squad now boasts a blend of experienced internationals and emerging talent. “England have terrific players.
They’re under new management, a new captain, and a fresh coaching approach. Charlotte Edwards will have them well drilled, I have no doubt about that,” he said. “There is considerable depth and a handful of world‑class performers, so they should be in the mix.” Atherton also highlighted the broader context of women’s sport in the UK. The landscape has shifted dramatically since England’s 2017 World Cup victory, with other national teams such as the Lionesses in football and the Red Roses in rugby achieving historic successes.
Heather Knight, England’s current captain, echoed this sentiment, stating that the aim for the home T20 World Cup is to "create a real legacy for women's cricket in this country". She noted that the visibility of women’s sport has risen, with back‑to‑back UEFA Women’s Euro titles in 2022 and 2025 for the football side, and a Rugby World Cup win for the Red Roses at a packed Twickenham in 2023.
The upcoming tournament offers a platform for England to emulate those achievements. Knight emphasized that the support of home crowds in 2017, especially the electric atmosphere at Lord’s, demonstrated how powerful the sport can be when the nation rallies behind it. “If we perform well this summer, we can leave a lasting legacy for women’s cricket,” she said.
“The domestic game is now professional, the pathways are clearer, and young girls can see a realistic career in cricket.” Atherton singled out several players he expects to make a significant impact. The captain, Nat Sciver‑Brunt, will carry the dual burden of leadership and performance, a task made more demanding by the heightened media focus that accompanies a home tournament.
"The captain and the leader as a driving force and obviously one of the best players as well, which Nat Sciver‑Brunt is," Atherton noted. Opening bowler Lauren Bell, who thrives in English conditions, will be crucial with the new ball, aiming to extract seam movement and early wickets.
Meanwhile, all‑rounder Devina Perrin, who impressed in The Hundred with a rapid century at The Oval in the eliminator, is poised to announce herself on the world stage. "I expect to see a young player like her just really say: 'This is my time,'" Atherton added.
The competition, however, will be fierce. Australia remains the benchmark, consistently fielding a deep, aggressive side that has dominated recent editions. "Obviously Australia are going to be a very tough team to beat," Atherton conceded. Yet he believes that England’s home advantage, combined with a balanced squad, can upset the odds.
"The standard across the board is improving all the time, so it’s getting more competitive," he observed. "But England with home advantage and some good players should be in the shake‑up." Beyond the on‑field tactics, the tournament is an opportunity to reinforce the professional structures that have been built in the women’s domestic game. The recent establishment of regional hubs, increased broadcast coverage, and the growth of the women’s Hundred have all contributed to a more robust pipeline of talent. Knight highlighted that this infrastructure is essential for translating short‑term success into long‑term growth: "If we have that success and things go well for us, the structures are in place to make the most of it and really make it a huge moment." In summary, while England’s past T20 World Cup performances have been disappointing, the combination of a new coaching regime, fresh leadership, and a deeper talent pool gives cause for optimism.
The upcoming home tournament not only offers a chance to win a coveted trophy but also to cement a lasting legacy for women’s cricket in England, inspiring the next generation of players and fans alike.