Michael Atherton, the veteran commentator for Sky Sports Cricket, believes that England’s women’s side possesses the quality 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 T20 crown since they hosted the tournament in 2009, and their recent outings have been disappointing – exiting at the group stage in both 2010 and again in 2024 – the former England captain sees a different story unfolding in 2026. He points out that the team’s last major ICC triumph came in 2017, when they won the 50‑over World Cup at home, and that the current generation is eager to add another trophy to the cabinet. The forthcoming squad will be revealed by head coach Charlotte Edwards on Tuesday.
Despite a turbulent few years that have seen changes in leadership, coaching staff, and playing personnel, Atherton is confident that the new group will be competitive. "It was a long time ago, but the last time England hosted the tournament we won it, so there is that natural home advantage," he explained. "At the same time, playing at home brings extra scrutiny and pressure, which can be a double‑edged sword." Atherton highlighted the depth of talent available: "England have terrific players.
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 plenty of strength in depth and some top‑class performers, so they should be in the shake‑up." He also noted the broader evolution of the women's game, saying that the overall standard is rising worldwide, making the tournament more competitive than ever. "Australia will always be a formidable opponent, but with home advantage and a strong core, England should be in the mix." When asked about the players to watch, Atherton singled out captain Nat Sciver‑Brunt as the pivotal figure. "The captain is the driving force, especially in a home tournament where expectations are high," he said. "Sciver‑Brunt is not only a leader but also one of the best all‑rounders in the world." He also mentioned opening bowler Lauren Bell, emphasizing the importance of exploiting the new‑ball swing in English conditions.
"Finding movement with the new ball is crucial, and Bell has the skill set to do that," Atherton added. Another rising star he praised was Devina Perrin, who impressed during The Hundred with a brilliant century at the Oval in the eliminator match.
"She announced herself last season, and I expect her to say, 'This is my time' on the world stage," Atherton predicted. England’s ambition extends beyond the trophy itself.
Team captain Heather Knight told Sky Sports that the aim for the home World Cup is to "create a real legacy for women's cricket in this country," drawing parallels with the successes of the Lionesses in football and the Red Roses in rugby. Knight reflected on how the landscape of women's sport has transformed since the 2017 cricket triumph. The Lionesses have since captured back‑to‑back UEFA Women’s Euro titles in 2022 and 2025, the latter in front of a sold‑out Wembley Stadium, while the Red Roses secured the Rugby World Cup at a packed Twickenham last September.
"The focus now is women's cricket at the World Cup, and it’s an exciting opportunity to do something special," Knight said. She recalled the electric atmosphere in 2017, when crowds swelled and the final at Lord’s felt historic. "Home support was huge for us in 2017; the crowds built up and the final at Lord’s was super special. It’s a chance to have a real impact on the sport in our country and leave a legacy.
If we do our job right and succeed this summer, we can cement a lasting legacy for women’s cricket." Knight also highlighted structural improvements within the domestic game, noting that professional pathways are now more established and visibility for women cricketers has increased dramatically. "It took a little time for that success to translate into change, but the landscape is very different now.
The domestic game is professional, it’s a lot more normal to be a women’s cricketer, and there’s far more visibility," she explained. She added that the success of the Lionesses and Red Roses serves as a blueprint: "If we succeed, the structures are in place to maximise the impact. We want to inspire the next generation, make being a girl in cricket feel normal and great." In summary, Atherton’s assessment is optimistic: England have a blend of experienced leaders, emerging talents, and a supportive home environment that could propel them into contention for the 2026 Women’s T20 World Cup.
While the competition will be fierce – with Australia, India, and other rising nations all aiming for glory – the combination of home advantage, a refreshed squad, and a clear legacy ambition gives England a compelling narrative heading into the tournament. The upcoming squad announcement by Charlotte Edwards will reveal whether the talent pool identified by Atherton aligns with the strategic vision laid out by Knight, potentially setting the stage for a historic home triumph and a lasting boost for women’s cricket across the United Kingdom.