England triumphed over India in a World Cup warm-up match this week. ©Getty
Had these been official matches, England could have already eliminated two significant challenges to their World Cup ambitions. While warm-up victories against India, the 2017 finalists, and Australia, the 2022 champions, won’t add points, they certainly bolster England’s confidence as they enter the tournament.
The backbone of the squad that reached the finals in 2022 remains, but noticeable changes have occurred. After a largely successful Women’s Championship, Heather Knight was stepped down as captain following a staggering 16-0 defeat against Australia in the 2025 Ashes, leading to Jon Lewis’s departure as head coach.
Charlotte Edwards has taken over Lewis’s role, while Nat Sciver-Brunt has been appointed captain just months ahead of the marquee event. This upcoming tournament represents the first significant test for this new leadership duo.
Despite the changes, familiarity exists with nine players from the 2022 World Cup squad remaining. The opening pair of Amy Jones and Tammy Beaumont has proven effective, and the return of Heather Knight and Danni Wyatt-Hodge adds depth to the middle order. Although the batting lineup seems stable, the bowling arrangement is more unpredictable.
England’s bowling selections are a risky endeavor, featuring four spinners and only two frontline pacers, notably without Kate Cross. This strategy could yield either rewarding results or significant pitfalls. Additionally, they face a reliance on their top-order batsmen, who have scored over half of England’s runs in ODIs this year.
England enters the tournament without the pressure of being favorites but with a quiet confidence that may play to their advantage. Their path to the knockout stages includes crucial matches, particularly a highly anticipated clash against Australia. Although they aim for a deep run, they need to avoid underestimating challengers like South Africa and New Zealand.
