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. Although the Lionesses have not lifted the T20 trophy since they hosted and won the tournament back in 2009, recent performances have been mixed. They suffered group‑stage exits in both the 2010 and 2024 editions and have not claimed an ICC title in any format since their historic 50‑over World Cup triumph on home turf in 2017. The upcoming 2026 tournament will see head coach Charlotte Edwards unveil her final squad on Tuesday.
Despite a turbulent few years – marked by managerial changes, a new captaincy, and a period of under‑achievement – Atherton is confident that England will be counted among the contenders. He points out that playing at home offers a natural advantage, recalling the 2009 victory, but also acknowledges that the familiar surroundings bring heightened scrutiny and pressure.
"England have a wealth of quality players," Atherton said. "They’re under fresh leadership – a new captain, a new coach – and that combination should give them the edge they need.
Charlotte Edwards will have them well drilled, and I have no doubt about that. Their depth is impressive, and they boast several world‑class performers, so they should be in the mix for the title." The former England captain also highlighted the evolving competitive landscape of women’s cricket. "It’s a tough tournament to predict. There are a lot of strong sides, and the standard is improving across the board," he noted.
"Australia will always be a formidable opponent, but with home advantage and a solid core of players, England can certainly cause an upset." When asked which players to watch, Atherton singled out captain Nat Sciver‑Brunt as the pivotal figure. "In a home World Cup there’s extra pressure and expectation, and Nat is both a leader and one of the best all‑rounders in the game," he explained.
He also praised opening bowler Lauren Bell, whose ability to extract swing and seam with the new ball in English conditions could be decisive. Additionally, Atherton mentioned the rising star Devina Perrin, who impressed with a brilliant hundred in The Hundred’s eliminator at the Oval, suggesting she could announce herself on the world stage. England’s own captain, Heather Knight, echoed the sentiment that this tournament is about more than just a trophy.
She told Sky Sports that the aim is to "create a real legacy for women’s cricket in this country," drawing inspiration from the successes of the Lionesses in football and the Red Roses in rugby. The Lionesses have won 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 last September. Knight emphasized how dramatically the environment for women’s sport has changed since the 2017 World Cup win. "The crowds, the atmosphere at Lord’s, the support – it was extraordinary," she recalled.
"Now we have a chance to make an even bigger impact. If we perform well this summer, we can leave a lasting legacy for women’s cricket in England." She also pointed to the structural improvements that have taken place in the domestic game. The professionalisation of the women's county circuit, increased media coverage, and greater visibility have made a career in cricket a realistic option for young girls. "The landscape is very different now," Knight said.
"There’s a solid pathway beneath the national team, and if we succeed, those structures will help sustain the momentum." Both Atherton and Knight agree that the upcoming tournament offers a unique platform to inspire the next generation. The goal is not only to win matches but also to normalise the sight of girls playing cricket at the highest level.
"We want to make being a girl in cricket feel normal and exciting," Knight added. "If we can achieve success and capture the public’s imagination, we’ll set the foundation for a thriving future for the sport." In summary, while England’s women’s side has faced setbacks in recent World Cups, the combination of home advantage, a refreshed leadership team, and a deep pool of talent gives them a credible shot at the 2026 title. With key figures like Nat Sciver‑Brunt, Lauren Bell, and emerging talents such as Devina Perrin leading the charge, the Lionesses are poised to challenge the traditional powerhouses and potentially write a new chapter in the history of women’s cricket.
The tournament will also serve as a catalyst for broader cultural change, aiming to cement a lasting legacy for the sport across the nation.