Key takeaways from England's Women's World Cup 2025 squad 

Nat Sciver-Brunt will lead England for the first time in an ICC event as the four-time champions announced a power-packed squad for the Women's Cricket World Cup 2025 that commences on 30 September.

Squad: Nat Sciver-Brunt (C), Em Arlott, Tammy Beaumont, Lauren Bell, Alice Capsey, Charlie Dean, Sophia Dunkley, Sophie Ecclestone, Lauren Filer, Sarah Glenn, Amy Jones, Heather Knight, Emma Lamb, Linsey Smith, Danni Wyatt-Hodge.

Here are the five key takeaways from the 15-member squad:

1. Return of star players

England's middle order will be bolstered by the return of the experienced Heather Knight, who missed out on the India series due to a hamstring injury.

The former captain would not just be responsible for steadying England's batting but would also help the team's cause with her valuable inputs for the big tournament.

Apart from Knight, Danni Wyatt-Hodge also returns to the squad to strengthen the team's batting despite being left out of the squad during the white-ball series against India at home.

2. Strong spin quartet

England have opted to go with four spinners for the marquee tournament, which could prove a masterstroke given the sub-continental conditions. Additionally, the variation in each of their slow bowlers will be an added advantage as the pitches slow down in the later stages of the tournament.

While the ICC Women's ODI No.1 bowler Sophie Ecclestone will lead the spin attack, the returning leg-spinner Sarah Glenn provides variation to the spin department, especially on spin-friendly surfaces.

Charlie Dean strengthens the spin attack with her off-spin, alongside the in-form left-arm option Linsey Smith, while Alice Capsey’s part-time spin adds further depth to an already formidable unit.

3. In-form batters

England's batters, especially the top order, have been in exceptional form as Amy Jones leads the charts for the team with 411 runs in nine matches, slightly ahead of the skipper, who has 396 runs in the same number of games.

Both Jones and her opening partner Tammy Beaumont scored back-to-back centuries against West Indies at home, which showed the hosts' dominance in their 3-0 whitewash.

Against India, however, it was ICC Women's Player of the Month for July, Sophia Dunkley who shone with the bat, scoring 126 runs at an average of 63 and a strike rate of 91.97.

The return of Knight and Wyatt-Hodge adds further depth to England’s batting lineup, boosting a squad already packed with match-winning all-rounders.

4. Variety in pace department

The omission of Kate Cross was a major talking point during the squad announcement, but it also highlighted England’s faith in Lauren Bell and Lauren Filer, signalling the beginning of a new era with trust placed in the younger players.

Em Arlott, who is just three ODIs old, will accompany Bell in leading the pace attack, with the latter's pace being her biggest plus on sub-continental surfaces.

Arlott caused trouble to the Indian batters, especially bowling well against the in-form Pratika Rawal in her debut ODI series, which has helped her book a spot in the squad for the main tournament. Her presence, along with Bell's pace and Filer's sharp bouncers, makes for a solid pace attack for the World Cup.

5. The Charlotte factor

Though this is Charlotte Edwards' first major tournament as the coach of the England team, she has a knack for winning trophies as a coach.

Having won both the 50-over and the 20-over World Cups as the captain of the England team, Edwards' resume as a coach is more than a decent one.

Post her retirement in 2018, Charlotte has been successful in winning two Women's Premier League trophies with Mumbai Indians, the Hundred in 2023 with Southern Brave and five domestic trophies with the dominant Southern Vipers as the coach.

Her first assignment as the England coach was also a successful one with a clean sweep against the West Indies.

A strong leadership group at the fore makes England a very strong contender to lift their fifth title this year, despite losing the white-ball series at home against India.

Several England players such as Sciver-Brunt, Knight, Beaumont and Jones bring previous World Cup experience, while others like Arlott and Bell are set for their first taste of the marquee event.

With a nice blend of experience and fresh talent marking England's new era, Sciver-Brunt will be aiming to guide her side to the trophy when they kick off their World Cup campaign on 3 October against South Africa.