Michael Atherton, the veteran commentator for Sky Sports Cricket, believes that the England women's side possesses the depth and quality 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 were the hosts in 2009, and they suffered early exits in both the 2010 and 2024 editions, the former England captain is confident that the new generation can restore the nation’s fortunes and become genuine contenders.
The upcoming 2026 tournament will see head coach Charlotte Edwards unveil her final squad on Tuesday. Edwards, a former England captain herself, has been tasked with rebuilding a side that has endured a difficult spell in recent years. Despite those setbacks, Atherton feels the team’s blend of experience, youthful exuberance and strategic leadership places them firmly in the mix for the title.
"It was a long time ago, but the last time the tournament was staged here England won it, so there’s that natural home advantage," Atherton explained. "At the same time, playing at home brings an extra layer of scrutiny and pressure, which is inevitable when the whole nation is watching." England’s recent record in the competition reads: 2010 – group‑stage exit; 2024 – group‑stage exit. Those results underline the challenges the side has faced, yet Atherton points out that the squad now boasts "terrific players" under fresh management, a new captain, and a coach with a clear vision. "Charlotte Edwards will have them well drilled, I have no doubt about that," he said.
"They have plenty of depth and several world‑class performers, so they should be in the shake‑up." The landscape of women’s sport has shifted dramatically since England’s 2017 50‑over World Cup triumph. Heather Knight, England’s current captain, has spoken about the ambition to create a lasting legacy for women’s cricket, mirroring the success of the Lionesses in football and the Red Roses in rugby. The growing visibility of women’s sport, professional domestic structures and larger crowds all point to a brighter future for the game.
Atherton highlighted that the tournament will be highly competitive. "It’s a hard tournament to call. There are some very good teams, and the standard across the board is improving all the time, making it more competitive," he noted. "Australia will undoubtedly be a very tough opponent, but England, with home advantage and a solid core, should be in the shake‑up." When asked which players to keep an eye on, Atherton singled out captain Nat Sciver‑Brunt as the pivotal figure.
"The captain is crucial at a home tournament, with all the scrutiny, pressure and expectation," he said. "Sciver‑Brunt is not only a leader but also one of the best players in the world." He also praised opening bowler Lauren Bell, whose ability to extract movement with the new ball in English conditions could be a decisive factor. "Opening bowling is vital, and Bell’s skill with the seam will be essential," Atherton added.
A rising star who caught his attention last season in The Hundred is Devina Perrin. After scoring a stunning century at the Oval in the eliminator match, Perrin announced herself as a player ready to step onto the world stage. "She made that brilliant 100 at the Oval in the eliminator – the game before the final – I expect to see a young player like her just really say: ‘This is my time,’" Atherton remarked. Beyond individual talent, the team’s broader context is important.
The England women’s programme now benefits from a fully professional domestic structure, increased media coverage, and a growing fan base. The success of the Lionesses in football, who won back‑to‑back Euros in 2022 and 2025, and the Red Roses, who captured the Rugby World Cup at a sold‑out Twickenham, have helped raise the profile of women’s sport across the country. This cross‑sport momentum is expected to spill over into cricket, providing role models and inspiring participation among young girls. Knight emphasized that the upcoming World Cup is an opportunity to cement a legacy.
"Home support was huge for us in 2017 – the crowds, the atmosphere at Lord’s – it was super special. This is a chance to have a real impact on the sport in our country and leave a legacy," she told Sky Sports. "If we do our job right and achieve success this summer, we can leave a lasting mark on women’s cricket in England." She also noted that the domestic game has become more professional and visible, making a career in women’s cricket a realistic pathway for aspiring athletes. "The structure beneath the game is now professional.
It’s a lot more normal to be a women’s cricketer, there’s a lot more visibility," Knight said. "If we succeed, the structures are in place to maximise that moment, just as we have seen with the Lionesses and Red Roses." The ambition, according to both Atherton and Knight, is not merely to win a trophy but to inspire the next generation. "We want to do something similar and hopefully inspire kids to make a girl in cricket really normal and really great," Knight concluded.
In summary, while England’s recent T20 World Cup performances have been disappointing, the combination of home advantage, a revitalised squad, experienced leadership from Charlotte Edwards and Nat Sciver‑Brunt, and emerging talents like Lauren Bell and Devina Perrin give the Lionesses a credible chance to compete for the title in 2026. The tournament promises to be a showcase of the growing strength of women’s cricket globally, and England will be eager to add a new chapter to its storied history.