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 grounds next summer. Although the Lionesses have not lifted the T20 trophy since they hosted the tournament in 2009, and their recent outings have been disappointing – a group‑stage exit in 2024 and no ICC title of any format since their 2017 50‑over World Cup triumph – Atherton is confident that the upcoming 2026 edition could see a very different story. The forthcoming squad will be unveiled by head coach Charlotte Edwards on Tuesday.
Edwards, a former England captain herself, has overseen a period of transition for the team, bringing in a new captain, a refreshed leadership group and a revamped coaching staff. Atherton acknowledges the challenges the side has faced over the last few years, but he argues that the combination of home‑ground advantage and a rejuvenated playing group puts England firmly in the conversation for the title. "It was a long time ago, but the last time the tournament was held here England won it, so there’s that natural home advantage," Atherton said. "Of course, playing at home also brings extra scrutiny, pressure and expectations, but I think England have the talent to thrive under those conditions." Historically, England’s record at the Women’s T20 World Cup has been mixed.
After winning the inaugural edition on home soil in 2009, the team suffered group‑stage exits in both 2010 and 2024. Despite those setbacks, the current pool of players offers a blend of experience and youthful exuberance that could change the narrative. Atherton highlighted several individuals he expects to make a significant impact.
He singled out captain Nat Sciver‑Brunt as the pivotal figure for the tournament. "The captain is crucial at a home event where the spotlight is intense," he explained. "Sciver‑Brunt brings leadership, composure and world‑class ability with both bat and ball, making her a genuine match‑winner." Opening bowler Lauren Bell also earned praise.
In English conditions, the new‑ball bowler’s ability to extract seam and swing will be vital. "Finding movement with the new ball is essential, and Bell has the skill set to do that consistently," Atherton noted.
Atherton also mentioned the emerging talent of Devina Perrin, who impressed in The Hundred by scoring a rapid century at the Oval during the eliminator match. "Perrin announced herself last year with that brilliant hundred – she’s a young player who says, ‘This is my time,’ and I expect her to deliver big performances on the world stage," he said.
Beyond individual players, the broader context of women’s sport in England has shifted dramatically since the 2017 World Cup victory. England cricket captain Heather Knight told Sky Sports that the nation aims to create a lasting legacy for women’s cricket, mirroring the successes of the Lionesses in football and the Red Roses in rugby. 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 captured the Rugby World Cup at a packed Twickenham in September.
Knight emphasized that the upcoming tournament offers a unique platform to inspire the next generation. "Home support was massive for us in 2017 – the crowds, the atmosphere at Lord’s – it was special. This summer we have the chance to make a real impact on the sport in our country and leave a legacy.
If we perform well, we can cement women’s cricket as a mainstream, highly visible part of English sport," she said. The landscape of women’s cricket has indeed evolved.
The domestic structure is now fully professional, providing players with year‑round training, better facilities and greater media exposure. This professional environment makes a cricketing career more sustainable and normalised for women, encouraging participation at the grassroots level.
Knight believes that success at the World Cup will reinforce these developments, ensuring that the pathways created for young girls are fully utilised. Atherton added that the tournament will be highly competitive. "The standard across all teams is improving constantly, making the competition tighter. Australia will always be a formidable opponent, but England’s home advantage and quality squad should keep them in the mix," he said.
In summary, while the England women’s team has faced recent setbacks, a combination of seasoned leadership, emerging talent, professional domestic support and the boost of playing at home positions them as genuine contenders for the 2026 Women’s T20 World Cup. The upcoming squad announcement by Charlotte Edwards will reveal how the team plans to translate this potential into tangible success, with the hope of delivering a memorable tournament that not only brings a trophy home but also secures a lasting legacy for women’s cricket in England.