Women's T20 World Cup 2026: 'It is such a privilege' - Tilly Corteen-Coleman overjoyed to form part of England squad
The 18-year-old is yet to make her international debut, but forms part of not only the T20 World Cup squad but also the ODI series against New Zealand before the showpiece tournament.
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Surrey spinner Tilly Corteen-Coleman expressed her surprise and is looking forward to forming part of the England squad, which will compete at the 2026 Women’s T20 World Cup on home soil.
The 18-year-old is yet to make her international debut, but forms part of not only the T20 World Cup squad but also the ODI series against New Zealand before the showpiece tournament.
Corteen-Coleman was shellshocked to find out that the management, along with head coach Charlotte Edwards, named her in the squad alongside some of the other stars, including the spin duo of Sophie Ecclestone and Linsey Smith. She aims to learn from the pair and to make sure her international career gets off to the best possible start.
“Was I surprised? Yes, I was surprised. There is always that glimmer of hope, but not a single part of me thought I was in that squad. It is such a competitive group, so much talent, so to be involved in it is such a privilege. The fact that I haven’t got an England cap, it's something probably people haven’t quite seen yet. I feel like I challenge both sides of the bat, and I like performing under pressure, which I know the others do as well. I feel like I offer as much as I want to learn,” Corteen-Coleman said to BBC Sport.
“Being around Linsey Smith and Sophie Ecclestone is going to be really helpful. Obviously, two of the best left-arm spinners in the game. So, even if I don’t get the opportunity to play, just learning and being around them, seeing how they do about their business will be really good for my development,” she added.
It was only a matter of time before Corteen-Coleman would form part of the England form based on her performances in the domestic circuit. The young spinner played eight times for Surrey in the Vitality Blast last summer, taking eight wickets to help her side win the tournament. She also took 11 wickets in The Hundred 2025 for the Southern Brave last season at an economy rate of just 5.75.
England name squad for Women's T20 World Cup 2026
It is a huge call from England to pick a young spinner for such a big tournament played on home soil. They have opted to go with Corteen-Coleman over an experienced spinner in Sarah Glenn. The latter has played 73 T20I games for England, taking 89 wickets along the way.
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