If only they weren't warm-up games, England would've already flown past two of the biggest hurdles standing in between them and another World Cup triumph. They might not count on the points table but England's wins over both India (finalists in 2017) and Australia (champions in 2022) in the warmups mean they begin the tournament with tremendous confidence.

The core of England's squad that made a finals run in the 2022 World Cup remains intact but changes are apparent even without a second glance. While Heather Knight led England through a fairly successful Women's Championship, a humiliating 16-0 defeat to Australia in the 2025 Ashes saw her being stood down as captain and Jon Lewis being sacked as head coach.

Charlotte Edwards was brought on to replace Lewis and Nat Sciver-Brunt was handed the reins with less than six months to go for the marquee event. This tournament, therefore, will be England's first major exam under a partnership that's still in its infancy.

There are, however, comforts of familiarity too. Nine players remain from the squad that finished runners-up in the 2022 World Cup. Amy Jones and Tammy Beaumont have emerged as a formidable opening pair following the former's elevation to the top of the order. Heather Knight and Danni Wyatt-Hodge's return adds volumes of experience to the middle order alongside Nat Sciver-Brunt's reliability while Sophie Dunkley, Emma Lamb and Alice Capsey add more flair.

While England's batting order promises to be a safe bet, their bowling stands in stark contrast as a risky gamble. Four spinners, just two front-line pacers and no Kate Cross or her experience - it's a bet that could pay off or backfire spectacularly.

England start neither as favourites nor as dark horses and perhaps, that's where they'll feel most comfortable. Not burdened by the weight of expectations and carrying a quiet conviction.

How they qualified

By finishing third, behind Australia and India, in the ICC Women's Championship 2022-25. Their series results read as follows: 0-3 vs India, 2-1 vs Australia, 2-0 vs Sri Lanka, 2-1 vs New Zealand, 2-0 Pakistan, 2-1 vs Ireland and 2-1 vs South Africa. Of the seven series that they played, they only lost to India right at the beginning of the cycle.

Squad

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

When England picked four spinners and left Kate Cross out in the process, the conversation surrounding selections became as much about exclusions as it was about inclusions. Maia Bouchier and Alice Davidson-Richards also missed out as Sarah Glenn and Danni Wyatt-Hodge were recalled to the side. Having packed their side with spinners, England could find themselves in a soup if the conditions don't play out like they expected - slow and low. Injuries to either one of their quicks too could upset the apple-cart.

Together, Beaumont, Jones and Sciver-Brunt have scored 57.2% of England's runs in ODIs this year and this over-reliance on the top-order cannot be ignored. Their middle order may look solid on paper, but they're leaning more on promise than performance.

Keep an eye on - Sophie Ecclestone

Sophie Ecclestone heads into the tournament on the back of a tumultuous period. A torrid Ashes, injury and an off-field row saw Ecclestone step away from the game briefly before making a comeback in the home series against India in July. The leader of England's quasi-pronged spin attack and by far the most experienced, Ecclestone will be key to her side's success in India.

Marquee match - vs Australia

Australia are the team to beat in this competition. England have more than one reason to do so. Their World Cup is set to amp up in intensity with every passing game before reaching a crescendo in their penultimate group game against Australia. By that stage, a win might prove to be essential - not just for reprisal for the 2022 World Cup final and the Ashes but also for progression.

Where they finished in 2022- Finalists

England's 2022 World Cup campaign ended like it began - with a loss to Australia. In what was a disastrous start, England lost each of their first three games but made an inspired charge into the semis with four straight wins thereafter. They then brushed aside South Africa to reach the final before being condemned to a bitter fate by familiar opponents.

Predicted finish - Semi finalists

While Nat Sciver-Brunt's and Charlotte Edwards' goal will be to achieve nothing short of what Heather Knight and Mark Robinson did in 2017, two big adversaries: India and Australia, stand in their way once more. Although a semi-final berth looks likely, England must remain wary not to slip up lest South Africa and New Zealand pip them to the knockouts. If, however, England manage to replicate what they achieved in the warm-ups and beat both India and Australia, they're likely to have one hand on the silverware already.

Full league stage schedule

October 3rd - vs South Africa, Guwahati (3:00 PM)

October 7th - vs Bangladesh, Guwahati (3:00 PM)

October 11th - vs Sri Lanka, Colombo (3:00 PM)

October 15th - vs Pakistan, Colombo (3:00 PM)

October 19th - vs India, Indore (3:00 PM)

October 22nd - vs Australia, Indore (3:00 PM)

October 26th - vs New Zealand, Visakhapatnam (11:00 AM)