Michael Atherton, the veteran commentator for Sky Sports Cricket, believes that England’s women’s side possesses both the talent and the squad depth 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 the 2010 and 2024 editions – there are clear signs of renewal that could see them back in contention.
The upcoming 2026 tournament will see head coach Charlotte Edwards unveil her final roster on Tuesday. Edwards, a former England captain herself, has been tasked with rebuilding a side that has endured a turbulent few years.
Despite the setbacks, Atherton is confident that England will be among the teams to watch. He noted, “It’s been a long time since England won the T20 World Cup at home, and that historic home advantage still carries weight. Yet playing on familiar pitches also brings heightened scrutiny and pressure, which the players will have to manage.” England’s recent record in the short‑format World Cup reads: 2010 – eliminated in the group stage; 2024 – eliminated in the group stage.
Nevertheless, Atherton highlighted the quality of the current playing group: “England have a pool of terrific players. They’re operating under fresh leadership – a new captain, a new coach, and a revamped management team. Charlotte Edwards will have them drilled to the finest detail; I have no doubt about that.
Their depth is impressive, and they boast several world‑class performers, so they should certainly be in the mix.” Atherton also acknowledged the increasingly competitive nature of women’s cricket worldwide. “It’s a tough tournament to predict.
Many nations have raised their standards, making the competition more intense. Australia will undoubtedly be a formidable opponent, but England’s home advantage and the calibre of their players give them a real shot at causing an upset.” When asked which players could be decisive, Atherton singled out captain Nat Sciver‑Brunt. “The captain’s role is crucial, especially at a home tournament where expectations are sky‑high. Nat is not only a brilliant leader but also one of the best all‑rounders in the game.” He also praised opening bowler Lauren Bell, noting that “in English conditions, early swing with the new ball is vital, and Lauren has the skill set to exploit that.” A relatively newer name that caught Atherton’s eye was Devina Perrin, who impressed during The Hundred with a stunning century at The Oval in the eliminator match.
“She announced herself with that knock, and I expect her to step up and say, ‘This is my time,’ on the world stage.” England’s ambition for the home World Cup was echoed by captain Heather Knight, who told Sky Sports that the team aims to "create a lasting legacy for women’s cricket in this country," drawing inspiration from the successes of the Lionesses in football and the Red Roses in rugby. Knight reflected on how the landscape of women’s sport has transformed since England’s 2017 World Cup triumph. The Lionesses have since captured back‑to‑back UEFA Women’s Euro titles in 2022 and 2025, the latter in front of a sold‑out Wembley, while the Red Roses clinched the Rugby World Cup at a packed Twickenham in September. “The focus now is the World Cup, and it feels incredibly exciting.
It’s not far away, and we have a genuine chance to do something special as a side,” Knight said. She recalled the electric atmosphere of the 2017 final at Lord’s, noting how massive crowds and enthusiastic support made the victory unforgettable. “A home tournament offers a unique opportunity to impact the sport nationally and leave a legacy. If we perform well this summer, we can cement a lasting influence on women’s cricket in England.” Knight highlighted the structural improvements that have taken place in the domestic game, making a professional career in women’s cricket more viable and visible.
“It took time for success to translate into broader change, but the domestic framework is now professional, and the sport enjoys greater visibility. The pathway from grassroots to the national team is clearer than ever.” She added, “If we succeed, the existing structures will allow us to maximise that momentum and create a defining moment for the sport. We’ve watched the Lionesses and Red Roses achieve greatness, and we want to emulate that, inspiring the next generation of girls to see cricket as a normal and exciting pursuit.” In summary, while England’s recent T20 World Cup outings have been underwhelming, the combination of experienced leadership under Charlotte Edwards, a rejuvenated squad featuring stand‑out talents like Nat Sciver‑Brunt, Lauren Bell, and emerging stars such as Devina Perrin, and the motivational push to build a lasting legacy, positions the Lionesses as genuine contenders for the 2026 title. The home advantage, coupled with a more professional domestic environment, could provide the catalyst needed to return England to the pinnacle of women’s cricket.