Sky Sports Cricket’s Michael Atherton believes England have the players and squad depth to mount a serious challenge for the Women’s T20 World Cup when it comes to England this summer.
England have not won the Women’s T20 World Cup since they hosted and lifted the trophy in 2009. The team were eliminated in the group stage in 2024 and have not claimed an ICC title since the 50-over World Cup success at home in 2017. Head coach Charlotte Edwards is set to name her 2026 tournament squad on Tuesday, and Atherton thinks the new-look set-up can be competitive.
Atherton pointed to the home advantage while also acknowledging the extra scrutiny and pressure that comes with hosting. He said England are now under fresh leadership — a new management team and captain alongside Edwards — and have the talent and strength in depth to be contenders. He added that Australia will remain a formidable opponent, but England’s home conditions and a pool of high-quality players should keep them in the mix.
England’s recent Women’s T20 World Cup history (at a glance):
– 2009: Winners
– 2010: Knocked out in group stage
– 2012: Runners-up
– 2014: Runners-up
– 2016: Semi-finals
– 2018: Runners-up
– 2020: Semi-finals
– 2023: Semi-finals
– 2024: Knocked out in group stage
Players to watch
Atherton highlighted a handful of names he expects to be pivotal. He picked captain Nat Sciver-Brunt as the obvious linchpin: a top player whose leadership will be crucial under the spotlight of a home tournament. Opening bowler Lauren Bell was singled out for her potential to exploit English movement with the new ball. And young batter Devina Perrin, who impressed in The Hundred with a match-winning century at the Oval in the eliminator, is seen as a player ready to seize her moment.
Heather Knight on legacy
Skipper Heather Knight has been clear about the wider ambition beyond results: England want to leave a lasting legacy for women’s cricket in the country. Knight pointed to the changing landscape of women’s sport since 2017 — with higher visibility, a professional domestic structure and landmark successes from other national teams such as the Lionesses and the Red Roses — and said this tournament is an opportunity to build on that progress.
Knight stressed that strong home support can make a huge difference, recalling the growing crowds in 2017 and the special atmosphere at Lord’s. She said if England perform well this summer, the structures now in place mean the team can turn success into a bigger moment for the game, inspiring more girls to see cricket as a normal and attractive pathway.
Outlook
With Edwards set to name her squad, expectations — and pressure — will ramp up. England arrive with experienced leaders, emerging talent and the comfort of home conditions. While global standards are rising and tough opponents remain, Atherton and Knight both convey a sense of belief: England should be among the teams to watch as they try to translate home advantage into a memorable campaign.