Edwards heaps praise on Ecclestone before home T20 World Cup
The England head coach opens up on the impact of Sophie Ecclestone’s presence in the side, as well as the added pressure of playing a home World Cup.
Charlotte Edwards has praised the significant role played by Sophie Ecclestone in the England women's side as they gear up for the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026. Ecclestone had earlier revealed that she came close to retirement last year following a disappointing Ashes tour for England.
Tickets for ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026
However, Ecclestone would return stronger and go on to become the third-highest wicket-taker at the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup 2025.
“I think it was important that Sophie last year had that break when you know she did because it had been a tough few months, but I think what we're seeing now is someone you know who's desperate to pull on that England shirt.” Edwards said on the ESPN Cricinfo Powerplay podcast.
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Watch highlights from Sophie Ecclestone's fabulous spell during the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup first semi-final clash between England and South Africa.
“She's definitely doing a lot more in the batting space, which I am sure she will love me telling everyone.
“She has got real aspirations to be an all-rounder in the team as well. But yeah, the most important thing to me and I said it from the start is Sophie's playing with a smile on her face, and I think if Sophie’s doing that we're in a good place.”
Edwards next major assignment is the upcoming ICC Women’s T20 World Cup which they will be playing in the home turf. Edwards herself has experience not only playing but winning a World Cup at home as she guided England to victory in the inaugural T20 World Cup in 2009.
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England and New Zealand met at Lord's for the Final of the 2009 ICC Women's T20 World Cup.
“Home World Cup, and I've said it to the players: this comes once in your lifetime, in terms of career. You can really sense that from the players, that they know this is super special and something everyone wants to be a part of.”
Charlotte Edwards expects a tough challenge if England are to end their trophy drought and win their first ICC title since 2017, as well as their second ICC Women’s T20 World Cup crown.
Despite the bigger picture, Edwards emphasized that her immediate focus remains on the group stage, where England will face Sri Lanka, New Zealand, Ireland, West Indies, and Scotland.
“I think in terms of who we say is a threat. I think you've just got to look at your group you're in at the moment, because I think if you look too far ahead, um, the most important thing is, we're out of the group and we're performing well.”
“So we're fully focused on our first sort of four opponents and how that plays out. But we also know the threat of the teams in the other group. That's obviously a really big group. With South Africa, India and Australia in that one, which obviously they've been really successful of late. Yeah, it's going to be a tightly fought contest.” said the England head coach.
Hosts England are slotted in Group B of the T20 World Cup alongside Ireland, Scotland, West Indies, Sri Lanka and the defending champions New Zealand.
They will play the opening game of the tournament against Sri Lanka on June 12 at Edgbaston.