Michael Atherton, the former England captain who now works as a pundit for Sky Sports Cricket, believes that the England women's team possesses both the depth of talent and the right squad composition to mount a serious challenge for the Women's T20 World Cup when it returns to England this summer. While the Lionesses have not lifted the T20 crown since they hosted the tournament in 2009, and their recent outings have been disappointing – a group‑stage exit in 2024 and no ICC trophy of any format since the 2017 50‑over World Cup victory on home ground – Atherton remains optimistic that the upcoming 2026 edition could see a different story.
The forthcoming squad will be revealed by head coach Charlotte Edwards on Tuesday. Despite a period of turbulence for the side over the last few years, Atherton is confident that the new group will be competitive enough to be counted among the tournament favourites. "It was a long time ago, but the last time the T20 World Cup was held here in England the Lionesses won it, so there is that natural home advantage," he explained.
"At the same time, playing at home brings extra scrutiny, pressure and expectations, which inevitably adds a new dimension to the challenge." Historically, England have struggled in recent editions – they fell out in the group stage both in 2010 and again in 2024 – but the landscape of women's cricket has evolved dramatically. "England have terrific players," Atherton said. "They are under fresh leadership – a new captain, a new coach – and Charlotte Edwards will have them well drilled, I have no doubt about that.
They have plenty of strength in depth and several world‑class performers, so they should be in the mix." Atherton also noted the increasing competitiveness of the tournament overall. "It is a hard tournament to call," he remarked.
"There are some very good teams, and the standard across the board is improving all the time, making it more competitive. Australia will undoubtedly be a very tough opponent, but England, with the home advantage and a strong core of players, should be in the shake‑up." When asked which England players are likely to make the biggest impact, Atherton highlighted captain Nat Sciver‑Brunt as the pivotal figure.
"The captain is crucial in a home tournament, where scrutiny, pressure and expectations are high. Nat is not only a leader but also one of the best players in the world," he said. He also pointed to opening bowler Lauren Bell, whose ability to extract movement with the new ball in English conditions could prove decisive.
"Finding that early swing and seam is vital, and Lauren has the skill set to do it," Atherton added. A younger talent who caught his eye during The Hundred was Devina Perrin, who smashed a brilliant century at The Oval in the eliminator match – the game before the final – last year.
"I expect to see a young player like her step up and say, ‘This is my time,’" Atherton predicted. England captain Heather Knight has spoken about the broader ambition behind the home World Cup, emphasizing a desire to create a lasting legacy for women's cricket in the country.
She noted that the sporting landscape has changed significantly since the 2017 triumph, citing the Lionesses' back‑to‑back European Championships in 2022 and 2025 – the latter played in front of a sold‑out Wembley – and the Red Roses' Rugby World Cup win at a full‑house Twickenham last September. "The focus now is women's cricket at the World Cup, and it’s a real chance for us to do something special as a side," Knight told Sky Sports. Knight reflected on the impact of the 2017 final at Lord's, where the crowd support was massive, and said that a successful campaign this summer could have a similar effect on the sport’s growth.
"If we do our job right and achieve success, we can leave a real legacy for women's cricket in this country," she said. She highlighted how the professionalisation of the domestic game has created a more stable pathway for female cricketers, increasing visibility and normalising the idea of a career in women's cricket.
"The structures are now in place – the domestic leagues are professional, there is more media coverage – so a World Cup win could amplify that and inspire a new generation of girls to pick up a bat and ball." Knight also drew parallels with the achievements of the Lionesses and Red Roses, noting that their successes have raised the profile of women's sport across the nation. "We want to do something similar and hopefully inspire kids, making being a girl in cricket feel normal and exciting," she added. In summary, while England’s recent record in the T20 World Cup may not look impressive on paper, the combination of home advantage, a refreshed leadership group, and a blend of experienced stars and emerging talents gives them a credible shot at the title. With Charlotte Edwards’ coaching expertise, Nat Sciver‑Brunt’s leadership, and the contributions of bowlers like Lauren Bell and rising stars such as Devina Perrin, the Lionesses are poised to challenge the traditional powerhouses and potentially write a new chapter in England’s women’s cricket history.