England have won back fans during World Cup - Edwards

Head coach Charlotte Edwards says England have won back the fans despite a heavy defeat by Australia in the Women’s T20 World Cup final.

Edwards, herself a World Cup-winning captain, was appointed to the role after England’s disastrous Ashes campaign in 2025 where they were thrashed 16-0 in the multi-format points series.

During that series, England were particularly criticised for their fitness and fielding and the team’s attitude and perception was also brought into question.

Edwards has spoken honestly about her desire to change that narrative and in the aftermath of the defeat at Lord’s, said she was proud of how they had turned things around.

“I couldn’t be prouder of my group or where we’re at,” Edwards told BBC Test Match Special.

“People are talking positively about this team now whereas they weren’t when I took over, and that is because of the work and effort that the players have put in behind the scenes.

“And we’ve won back the fans, because they’ve come out to watch us today, which is outstanding, and I can’t thank the supporters and our families enough.

“We’re not talking about fitness or fielding, I wanted us to talk about the cricket. So although we’ve missed out today, I don’t think we should be disheartened by that. This is a very, very good Australian team who have dominated world cricket for years and we’re not too far away.”

A crowd of 28,887 was in attendance to watch the final, with both teams coming into the match unbeaten.

England set Australia 151 to win but they made light work of the chase, reaching the target in 17.1 overs as Beth Mooney led the way with 64 from 49 balls – and Edwards admitted that, despite the improvements, her side were outclassed on the day.

“Gutted, really,” Edwards said, when asked for her immediate emotions.

“We came here with so much belief and confidence to pull off something really special and I think we gave ourselves a really good shout, it didn’t look easy to bat on.

“But they are a very, very good team and we were completely outplayed there in the end.”

‘Our time will come’

Though England cruised through the group stage and dominated South Africa in their semi-final, their oldest enemy reopened some old wounds when it mattered most.

Australia missed out in the past two World Cups, exiting at the semi-final stage at the T20 in 2024 and the 50-over edition last year, but here they were back to their ruthless best.

Though Edwards admitted Australia set the blueprint for the rest of the world to follow, she remains confident and excited about the team’s future.

“I’m really proud of the team. Where we’ve come from, the way we’ve played through this tournament – there are so many positives.

“Australia have led the way for years. They have got the depth that allows them to play that way up the top. You have to be at your best to beat them and we weren’t, hence why they’re lifting the trophy now.

“There will be [hunger to come back]. I’m really, really proud and our time will come.”

Captain Nat Sciver-Brunt was visibly emotional in her post-match interview as she held back tears, having earlier led England out for the national anthems with her young son Theo.

The all-rounder echoed Edwards’ pride in the team and backed them to bounce back.

“I’m stood here hugely disappointed. We’ve had such a great competition up to this point so to end like that feels a bit sour in the mouth,” Sciver-Brunt said.

“I think we’ve got so much to be proud of. It’s a proper group of players we’ve got here who really care about each other and playing for England and wearing the shirt with pride.

“It’s a tough one to take but we’ll be back.”