Edwards confident of England shining at home T20WC
The England head coach opens up on the chance to make history during a historic home summer.
The last time England hosted the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup back in 2009, the team went on to become the maiden winners of the tournament.
Charlotte Edwards, who was the first captain to get her hands on the trophy, concedes England Women are well aware of what’s at stake as they prepare to host the showpiece event this summer.
The England head coach has backed her team to come good at the marquee tournament, having been knocked out of the group stage in the 2024 edition.
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“I think we're a very different team. We're coming here to win it. We know it's going to be really hard,” Edwards told Sky Sports.
“There's some wonderful teams out there. But to be able to think that we can play in a World Cup final at Lord's is motivating us every day.
“They're just always special events. But to be part of a home World Cup with a final at Lord's, I don't think it gets much better. This team are really excited about that prospect and are looking forward to doing something really special.”
England became the first team to announce their squad for the upcoming tournament.
A prominent feature of the 15-member squad was 18-year-old Tilly Corteen-Coleman, who will be featuring in her first-ever Women’s T20 World Cup. The uncapped teen spinner had featured in last year’s ICC Women’s U19 T20 World Cup.
“What a rise into professional cricket she has had,” Edwards said.
“A 16-year-old playing in The Hundred and then two years later being selected for England.
“She's just had an incredible two years. She's performed. And that's ultimately what we've asked the players to do. Her age has not really been taken into account.
“She's conducted herself brilliantly over the last six months with the squad. Spent lots of time with us, and we're really confident she can deliver on the big stage,” she added.
Edwards believes the inclusion of Corteen-Coleman provides England with a tactical advantage as they gear up for the marquee event.
“Statistically, left-arm spinners have been really successful in women's T20 cricket,” she said.
“We want options in our squad but also, ultimately, spinners to be effective. I know it's three left-armers, but if they're your three best spinners, then we're going to go with that.”
England are clubbed alongside West Indies, Sri Lanka, Ireland, Scotland, and the defending champions New Zealand in Group 2 and will begin their campaign against Sri Lanka in Edgbaston on June 12.