Michael Atherton, the veteran commentator for Sky Sports Cricket, believes that England’s women’s side possesses the talent and depth required to mount a serious challenge for the Women’s T20 World Cup when it returns to English soil next summer. While the Lionesses have not lifted the trophy since they hosted and won the inaugural edition in 2009, and despite a disappointing group‑stage exit in the 2024 tournament, Atherton is confident that the combination of home advantage, fresh leadership and a pool of high‑calibre players could see them back in the mix for the 2026 title. The last time England won the T20 World Cup on home ground was over a decade ago, and that historic triumph still looms large in the collective memory of English cricket fans. "There’s a natural edge when you play at home," Atherton explained, "but it also brings heightened scrutiny, added pressure and a chorus of expectations that can be both motivating and daunting for the players." England’s recent record in the format has been uneven.
After the 2009 victory, the side suffered a group‑stage elimination in 2010, repeated the same fate in 2024, and has not secured any ICC trophy in any format since the 2017 Women’s 50‑over World Cup, which they also won at home. Nevertheless, the upcoming tournament will be a turning point. Head coach Charlotte Edwards is set to announce the final squad on Tuesday, and Atherton feels the new group of players, combined with a revamped management structure, will give England a realistic chance of reaching the latter stages.
"England have terrific players," he said. "They’re under new management, a new captain and a new coach.
Charlotte Edwards will have them well drilled, I have no doubt about that. They have depth, quality and a few world‑class performers, so they should be in the shake‑up." Atherton also highlighted the increasingly competitive nature of the women’s game. "The standard across the board is improving all the time, making the tournament more competitive," he noted. "Australia will always be a formidable opponent, but England’s home advantage and the quality in their squad should keep them in contention." When asked which English players are likely to make the biggest impact, Atherton singled out captain Nat Sciver‑Brunt as the pivotal figure.
"The captain is a driving force, especially at a home tournament where the spotlight is intense," he said. "Sciver‑Brunt combines leadership with elite skill, and she will be central to England’s plans." He also praised opening bowler Lauren Bell, emphasizing the importance of extracting movement with the new ball in English conditions. "Bell’s ability to swing the ball early can give England the breakthroughs they need," Atherton added. Additionally, he mentioned the rising star Devina Perrin, who impressed with a brilliant century in the 2023 Hundred eliminator at the Oval.
"Perrin is a young talent who announced herself on a big stage last year, and she will be eager to prove that this is her time," Atherton said. England’s ambition goes beyond a single tournament. Heather Knight, the team’s senior player, told Sky Sports that the nation aims to create a lasting legacy for women’s cricket, mirroring the successes of the Lionesses in football and the Red Roses in rugby.
Since the 2017 World Cup win, the landscape of women’s sport in England has evolved dramatically. The Lionesses captured back‑to‑back UEFA Women’s Euro titles in 2022 and 2025, the latter in front of a sold‑out Wembley, while the Red Roses secured the Rugby World Cup at a packed Twickenham last September. Knight explained that the upcoming World Cup offers a chance to cement a new era for the women’s game.
"Home support was huge for us in 2017 – the crowds grew and the final at Lord’s was special. This is an opportunity to have a real impact on the sport in our country and leave a legacy," she said. "If we perform well this summer, we can inspire a generation of girls to see cricket as a normal and exciting pathway." She also highlighted the structural improvements that have taken place since 2017. The domestic women’s game is now fully professional, providing players with greater visibility, better facilities and a clear career pathway.
"The professional domestic structure means it’s a lot more normal to be a women’s cricketer now," Knight noted. "We have the infrastructure in place to capitalise on any success, and we hope to create a moment that will be remembered for years to come." In summary, while England’s women’s team has faced recent setbacks, the combination of a supportive home crowd, a refreshed leadership team, and a blend of experienced stars and emerging talent gives them a credible shot at the 2026 Women’s T20 World Cup. As Atherton concluded, "England, with the advantage of playing at home and a squad full of quality players, should definitely be part of the shake‑up and could well be a contender for the title."