Michael Atherton, the veteran analyst for Sky Sports Cricket, believes that England possess the depth and talent 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 suffered group‑stage exits both in 2010 and again in 2024, the former England captain sees a renewed sense of optimism in the squad.
The side has also endured a trophy drought across all ICC formats since their triumphant 50‑over World Cup victory on home ground in 2017, making the upcoming tournament a crucial opportunity to re‑establish themselves among the elite. Head coach Charlotte Edwards is slated to unveil the final 15‑player roster for the 2026 competition on Tuesday. Despite a period of mixed results and a perception that the team has been in transition, Atherton argues that the combination of fresh leadership, a new captain, and a modern coaching setup gives England a realistic chance of being in the mix for the title.
"It was a long time ago, but the last time the tournament was held here England won it, so there is a natural home advantage," he noted, adding that playing at home also brings heightened scrutiny and pressure. Atherton highlighted several key strengths.
"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 depth and a handful of world‑class performers, so they should be in the shake‑up," he said.
He also acknowledged the increasingly competitive nature of women's T20 cricket, pointing out that the overall standard is rising worldwide. "Australia will always be a very tough opponent, but England with home advantage and a solid core should be in the shake‑up," he added.
When asked which individuals to keep an eye on, Atherton named captain Nat Sciver‑Brunt as the pivotal figure. "The captain is a driving force and one of the best players in the world.
At a home tournament the pressure and expectation are enormous, and Nat has the temperament to handle it," he explained. He also praised opening bowler Lauren Bell, emphasizing the importance of extracting movement with the new ball in English conditions. Additionally, he singled out young all‑rounder Devina Perrin, who impressed with a rapid century in The Hundred’s eliminator at the Oval, saying she is likely to announce herself on the world stage: "She will say, ‘This is my time.’" England’s ambition goes beyond a single trophy.
Team captain Heather Knight told Sky Sports that the aim is to "create a real legacy for women's cricket in this country," mirroring the recent successes of the Lionesses in football and the Red Roses in rugby. Knight noted that the landscape of women's sport has transformed dramatically since the 2017 World Cup win, with the Lionesses capturing back‑to‑back European Championships in 2022 and 2025— the latter in front of a sold‑out Wembley— and the Red Roses securing the Rugby World Cup at a packed Twickenham last September. "The focus now is women's cricket at the World Cup, and it's a chance for us to do something special," Knight said. She reflected on the atmosphere in 2017, when massive crowds gathered at Lord's for the final, describing it as "super special".
She believes that a successful campaign this summer could spark a lasting impact, encouraging more girls to take up the sport and normalising the presence of women in professional cricket. "The domestic structure is now professional, visibility is higher, and if we succeed the infrastructure is there to amplify that success into a genuine legacy," she explained.
The upcoming tournament is expected to be broadcast free of charge on the Sky Sports app, with additional coverage through Sky Sports Cricket’s podcast and live streaming platforms. Fans are encouraged to use Chrome for optimal video playback. As the countdown to June begins, England’s preparation under Edwards, the leadership of Sciver‑Brunt, and the contributions of emerging talents like Perrin and Bell will be closely scrutinised.
While the competition will be fierce—Australia, India and other rising nations are all improving—the combination of home advantage, experienced coaching, and a blend of seasoned stars and hungry newcomers gives the Lionesses a credible shot at ending their trophy drought and establishing a new chapter in the history of women's cricket.