Michael Atherton, the veteran commentator for Sky Sports Cricket, believes that England's women’s team possesses the depth and talent required to mount a serious challenge for the Women's T20 World Cup when it returns to English soil this summer. While the Lionesses have not lifted the T20 crown since they hosted the tournament in 2009, recent performances have been underwhelming – they fell at the group stage in both the 2010 edition and again in 2024. Moreover, the side has not secured an ICC trophy in any format since their triumphant 2017 50‑over World Cup win on home ground. Despite this recent drought, the former England captain sees a different story unfolding for the 2026 tournament.
Head coach Charlotte Edwards is slated to reveal the final squad on Tuesday, and Atherton is confident that, even after a challenging period for the team, England will be counted among the contenders. "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," he explained. "At the same time, playing at home brings added scrutiny and pressure, which is inevitable." He added that the new leadership group – a fresh captain, a new coaching staff and a revamped management structure – has injected optimism into the camp. Atherton highlighted several key strengths.
"England have terrific players. They’re under new management, new captain, new coach. Charlotte Edwards will have them well drilled, I have no doubt about that. They have plenty of depth and a handful of world‑class talent, so they should be in the mix," he said.
He noted that the overall standard of women’s cricket is rising globally, making the tournament highly competitive. "Australia will always be a tough opponent, but England with home advantage and a solid core should be in the shake‑up," he concluded. When asked which players could make the biggest impact, Atherton singled out captain Nat Sciver‑Brunt. "The captain is crucial at a home tournament with so much scrutiny and expectation.
Nat is not only a leader but also one of the best players in the world," he remarked. He also praised opening bowler Lauren Bell, emphasizing the importance of exploiting English conditions with the new ball. Additionally, he mentioned the emergence of Devina Perrin, who impressed with a brilliant century at The Oval in the Hundred eliminator last year, suggesting she could announce herself on the world stage. England’s own captain, Heather Knight, echoed the sentiment of building a lasting legacy.
She told Sky Sports that the aim for the home World Cup, kicking off in June, is to "create a real legacy for women’s cricket in this country," mirroring the achievements of the Lionesses in football and the Red Roses in rugby. Knight reflected on how the landscape of women's sport has evolved since the 2017 triumph. The Lionesses have since 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. "The focus now is women’s cricket at the World Cup, and it’s incredibly exciting.
It’s not far away and gives us a chance to do something special as a side," Knight said. She recalled the massive home support in 2017, describing the atmosphere at Lord’s as "super special" and emphasizing the potential to inspire future generations. "If we do our job right and succeed this summer, we can leave a real legacy for women’s cricket in England," she added.
Knight also highlighted the structural improvements within the domestic game, noting that professional contracts and greater visibility have made a career in women’s cricket far more viable than before. "The domestic game is now professional, it’s a lot more normal to be a women’s cricketer, there’s much more visibility. If we succeed, the structures are in place to capitalise on that momentum and create a huge moment for the sport," she explained.
Both Atherton and Knight agree that the upcoming tournament offers a unique platform to showcase the progress of women’s cricket and to cement England’s status as a powerhouse. With a blend of seasoned internationals, emerging talents, and a supportive home crowd, the Lionesses are poised to rewrite their recent narrative and aim for a historic triumph on home soil.
The stage is set, the players are ready, and the ambition is clear: to turn the 2026 Women's T20 World Cup into a defining chapter for English women's cricket.