If only they weren’t warm-up games, England would already have cleared two of the toughest hurdles in their World Cup path. Wins over India, finalists in 2017, and Australia, champions in 2022, might not reflect on the points table, but they have given England a solid confidence boost heading into the tournament. The core of the 2022 World Cup squad remains intact, but significant changes have shaped this side. Heather Knight, who led England through the Women’s Championship, was stood down after a 16-0 Ashes whitewash in 2025, while Jon Lewis was sacked as head coach. In their place, Charlotte Edwards has taken charge with Nat Sciver-Brunt as captain, marking a new era just months before the big event. Despite the leadership shuffle, there is comfort in familiarity. Nine players from the 2022 campaign return, with Amy Jones and Tammy Beaumont forming a strong opening duo. The comeback of Knight and Danni Wyatt-Hodge adds experience in the middle, alongside Sciver-Brunt’s proven reliability. Young talents like Sophie Dunkley, Emma Lamb and Alice Capsey bring flair to the batting lineup. Also Read | Will RCB Join SA20? Graeme Smith Comments on the Team’s Future England’s batting looks settled, but the bowling remains a gamble. They’ve packed the squad with four spinners and only two front-line pacers, leaving out experienced seamer Kate Cross. The risk could pay off on slow surfaces but might backfire if conditions don’t suit. Injuries to either quick could also upset the balance. Selection debates also surrounded exclusions like Maia Bouchier and Alice Davidson-Richards, while Sarah Glenn and Wyatt-Hodge earned recalls. This year, Beaumont, Jones, and Sciver-Brunt have scored over 57% of England’s ODI runs, underlining the heavy dependence on their top order. While the middle order looks solid on paper, much depends on how potential translates into performance. England enter the tournament without the tag of favourites or underdogs—perhaps exactly where they are most comfortable. England Women’s Squad for the 2025 World Cup: Nat Sciver-Brunt (C), Em Arlott, Tammy Beaumont, Lauren Bell, Alice Capsey, Charlie Dean, Sophie Dunkley, Sophie Ecclestone, Lauren Filer, Sarah Glenn, Amy Jones (WK), Heather Knight, Emma Lamb, Linsey Smith, Danni Wyatt-Hodge