Michael Atherton, the veteran commentator for Sky Sports Cricket, believes that the England women's cricket team possesses both the depth of talent and the right blend of experience 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 they suffered group‑stage exits in both the 2010 edition and the most recent 2024 competition, Atherton remains optimistic that the side can break that pattern and contend for the title in front of a home crowd.
The last time England won a world tournament on home soil was the 50‑over World Cup in 2017, a triumph that still resonates with fans and players alike. Since then, however, the national side has struggled to capture any ICC trophy, prompting a period of introspection and restructuring. Head coach Charlotte Edwards, a former England captain herself, is set to announce the final squad for the 2026 T20 World Cup on Tuesday. Despite the setbacks of recent years, Atherton argues that the new leadership group, fresh captaincy, and a revamped coaching set‑up give England a genuine chance to be in the mix for the championship.
"It was a long time ago, but the last time the tournament was held here in England, we won it, so there is that natural home advantage," Atherton explained. "At the same time, playing at home brings added scrutiny, pressure and expectations. That can be a double‑edged sword, but it also fuels the players' desire to perform for their country." Atherton highlighted the quality of the current playing group, noting that England now boasts a deep pool of talent across all disciplines.
"We have terrific players, a new captain, a new coach, and a management team that is focused on getting the side well‑drilled," he said. "The depth in the squad means we have several world‑class performers who can step up when the occasion demands it, and that should put us in the shake‑up." He also pointed out that the overall standard of women's cricket is rising globally, making the tournament more competitive than ever before. "Australia will always be a formidable opponent, but England's home advantage and the quality of our players give us a realistic shot at success." When asked which individuals he expects to be key contributors, Atherton singled out captain Nat Sciver‑Brunt as the linchpin of the campaign.
"The captain has to shoulder a lot of pressure at a home tournament, and Nat is both a leader and one of the best all‑rounders in the world," he said. He also praised opening bowler Lauren Bell, emphasizing the importance of exploiting English conditions with the new ball, and highlighted the emergence of young all‑rounder Devina Perrin, who impressed with a brilliant century in the Hundred eliminator at The Oval.
"Players like Devina are hungry to prove themselves on the biggest stage, and I expect her to announce her arrival at the World Cup," Atherton added. England's ambitions extend beyond the trophy itself. Team captain Heather Knight told Sky Sports that the primary goal is to "create a real legacy for women's cricket in this country," echoing the success stories of the Lionesses in football and the Red Roses in rugby.
Since 2017, the women's sport landscape in England has transformed dramatically. The Lionesses captured back‑to‑back European Championships in 2022 and 2025, with the 2025 final played in front of a sold‑out Wembley Stadium.
Meanwhile, the Red Roses secured the Rugby World Cup at a packed Twickenham in September of the previous year. These achievements have raised the profile of women's sport and set a benchmark for cricket. Knight explained that the upcoming World Cup offers a unique platform to inspire the next generation and embed women's cricket more firmly in the national sporting consciousness. "The crowds at Lord's in 2017 were massive, and the atmosphere was electric.
Hosting the tournament again gives us a chance to replicate that magic and leave a lasting impact," she said. "If we perform well, we can help normalise the idea of a girl picking up a cricket bat and dreaming of playing at the highest level." The structural changes within English cricket also bolster these aspirations. The domestic women's game has become fully professional, providing a clear pathway for emerging talent and increasing visibility for the sport.
Knight noted that the professionalisation of the domestic circuit means that more players can devote themselves entirely to cricket, raising the overall standard and creating a larger talent pool for national selection. Looking ahead, both Atherton and Knight stress that success will depend on how well the team manages the heightened expectations and leverages the home advantage. Atherton concluded, "The tournament is tough to predict, but England have the ingredients – skill, depth, leadership, and the support of a passionate home crowd – to be a genuine contender." Knight added, "We want to do something special, inspire young girls, and build a legacy that will benefit women's cricket for years to come." In summary, while the England women's side has faced recent disappointments, the combination of a refreshed coaching staff, a dynamic captain, emerging stars, and a supportive domestic structure positions them to challenge for the Women's T20 World Cup title on home soil. The upcoming tournament is not just about a trophy; it is about shaping the future of women's cricket in England and leaving a lasting legacy for the sport.